Northwest Indiana car accident lawyer discusses a recent car crash on I-65 in Jasper County.

The Northwest Indiana Times described October 13^th car crash on I-65 near the SR 10 the Demotte-Roselawn Exit.  According to the report, the accident happened because a driver fell asleep, rolled over and crossed the median into oncoming traffic.  The driver who fell asleep was charged with unsafe lane movement.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports that each year there are more than 100,000 crashes, resulting in about 40,000 injuries.  NHTSA believes that drowsy driving is responsible for many more crashes but it is under reported.

The Risk Factors For Drowsy Driving

There are a number of risk factors that will predispose drowsy driving that include:

• Sleep loss – deprivation
• Driving patterns
• Use of sedating medications like sleeping pills, pain pills and tranquilizers
• Sleep disorders like narcolepsy and sleep apnea
• Consumption of alcohol

There are also a number of population groups that have higher rates of drowsy driving including people who work shift work, young men, and folks with untreated sleep disorders.

Conclusion

We have a tendency to take driving for granted.  We have to remember driving is a privilege not a right.  Driving when tired or drowsy significant decreases reaction time and is risky.

If you have any questions about a Northwest Indiana car accident, call one of our car accident attorneys at (219) 874-4878 or fill out the internet consultation form on the right side of the screen.