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Sleep Deprived Drivers Endanger Kansas City Motorists

In 1998, 24,318 traffic deaths and 2,474,430 debilitating injuries occurred simply because someone did not get enough sleep. Sleep deprivation is a serious problem that endangers everyone on the road. Sleep deprived drivers lack the attention and motor skills required to operate their vehicles safely.

Kansas and Missouri motorists are at risk everyday from drivers who simply are not getting a good night's sleep. The simplicity of the problem does not do justice to the potential dangers. Sleep deprivation can cause numerous problems. Among these, according to the Traffic Research Institute are:

• Slower reaction time, decreasing the ability to stop when faced with dangerous situations
• Concentration levels drop, drivers lack the ability to stay focused on the road
• Falling asleep at the wheel, running into other motorists with tragic results
• Decreased coordination and information processing ability similar that of drivers under the influence of alcohol

One study compared individuals who had been awake for 28 hours with subjects that had a blood alcohol level of 0.5. Both groups performed equally bad in hand-eye coordination tests. In most states, the legal limit for alcohol consumption is .08. Driving while sleep deprived is extremely risky.

What is so hard about getting a good night's sleep? Sleep deprivation often results from sleep disorders. A Stanford University Medical School Sleep Disorders and Research Clinic study indicated truck drivers suffering from breathing problems due to sleep disorders were twice as likely to be involved in a traffic accident as drivers who were not affected.

Sleep apnea is a disorder that affects the breathing of an individual while they sleep. Breathing is interrupted and blood oxygen levels drop. As the levels drop, the body becomes partially awake, preventing patients from ever getting adequate sleep. The result is a very sleepy driver who is in no condition to get behind the wheel. Snoring, morning drowsiness and headaches, as well as choking episodes in the middle of the night are all symptoms that might indicate sleep apnea. Drivers who suffer routinely from these symptoms should seek medical attention.

According to the Stanford University study, overweight and obese drivers were twice as likely to be involved in accidents as other drivers. Obesity is a common risk factor for developing sleep apnea. Maintaining a normal weight decreases the risk of developing sleep disorders.

Other factors can contribute to sleep deprivation. Driving for longer than eight hours impairs driving ability and increases the risk of accidents. If you have a long road trip planned, be sure to take frequent breaks. Share the driving responsibilities with another driver every few hours. If you have not slept for longer than 16 hours, do not get behind the wheel of a car. Sleepiness can occur in drivers who have gone for prolonged periods without sleep. Drivers who get regular sleep are less likely to become involved in motor vehicle accidents than drivers who have not slept well prior to getting behind the wheel.

Kansas City motorists who have been negatively affected by another driver's sleep deprivation can turn to the Kansas and Missouri personal injury attorneys at Kansas City Accident Injury Attorneys for advice. Call 888-348-2616 to schedule a free consultation. Download the free guide 10 Essential Steps You Must Take To Protect Your Injury Claim for more helpful information.

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