Accident on Eastbound Highway 50 Occurs When Driver Falls Asleep
An accident involving a fatigued driver happened in Rancho Cordova on August 20 that completely totaled their vehicle and hospitalized two people. The collision happened around 5:30 in the afternoon along eastbound Highway 50. According to the report by the California Highway Patrol (CHP), the driver fell asleep at the wheel, and the vehicle drifted over into the median of the highway.
Two People Hospitalized Following Highway Accident
The impact with the median resulted in the vehicle drifting back over all of the lanes and hitting a guardrail. The vehicle was a total loss. Both of the people in the vehicle were taken to a hospital with undescribed injuries. The accident is under investigation by authorities.
The Dangers of a Fatigued Driver
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports that in 2017, police around the country said more than 91,000 traffic accidents were caused by drowsy driving. In those accidents, almost 800 fatalities and 50,000 injuries occurred. In 2019, 697 people died in an accident associated with fatigued driving. Authorities agree that these estimates are undercounted.
Common Factors Associated With an Accident Caused by a Fatigued Driver
- There are two times of day when an accident is most likely to occur caused by a fatigued driver. They are between the hours of midnight and 6:00 a.m. and during the early afternoon. It has to do with the human’s circadian rhythm that regulates sleep.
- The driver is usually the only person in the vehicle in a fatigued driving accident.
- Fatigued driver accidents commonly occur along highways or rural roads.
Avoiding Fatigued Driving
There are some tips that can help a motorist avoid drowsy driving and a potential accident. They include:
- If you’re planning to travel for a considerable distance such as a vacation or to visit family, break your trip up with frequent rest breaks to lower your risk of a serious injury accident. Stopping for a cup of coffee, walking around the car or just sitting in front of a store and watch the people can renew you.
- Include extra time for rest breaks during your trip. This can help you map out any hotel stays and times you’re expected at a family member’s house or attraction.
- Driving in the early afternoon can make you sleepy as well as traveling between midnight and 6:00 a.m., so try to avoid being behind the wheel of the car at those times.
- Avoid drinking alcohol or taking sedatives for several days before. Because your quality of sleep can be affected by alcohol or sedatives, avoid them so sleepiness won’t overtake you while driving.
- Get plenty of rest the night before at the minimum. Getting a good night’s sleep for several days before a trip is even better. It helps you stay alert and refreshed while on the road.
- Try not to travel alone. Having someone to talk to and who can tell if you’re getting too tired to drive can be helpful and may share the driving on a long trip.
Placing an Injury Claim Following an Accident
Those who are injured in a traffic accident because of a fatigued driver may be able to place a claim for compensation. Damages awarded can include all of their medical expenses, lost wages because they were unable to work, and for their pain and suffering. We’ve successfully handled a number of these claims over the years and offer a free no-obligation consultation to discuss your case.
Rancho Cordova Car Accident Lawyer
I am Ed Smith, a Rancho Cordova car accident lawyer. Drivers who are too fatigued can end up causing a serious collision with resulting injuries. If you were hurt by a fatigued driver, call us at (916) 921-6400 or (800) 404-5400 for our free and friendly advice on whether you can file a compensation claim. If you prefer, you can reach us online.
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Since 1982, we’ve helped Rancho Cordova residents as well as other Northern Californians in getting the compensation they deserve in all kinds of traffic accidents and for the loss of a loved one through wrongful death.
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Photo attribution: https://pixabay.com/photos/car-accident-broken-glass-splatter-337764/
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