Drowsy driver falls asleep at the wheel, crashes bus from Missouri

February 27, 2013 (Press-News.org) Earlier this month, a motorcoach traveling from Kansas City, Missouri with a full load of passengers crashed into a copse of trees after the bus driver fell asleep at the wheel. Seven passengers were transported to a local hospital with injuries and many more were treated at the scene of the accident.

Law enforcement officials and passengers are relieved that those involved in the bus accident did not sustain worse injuries; the accident could have easily resulted in a number of fatalities. Many of those on the bus reported that the bus driver appeared drowsy during the trip and swerved a number of times as he drove.

Dangers of drowsy driving

Many people claim that drowsy driving is just as dangerous as driving drunk. Backing up this opinion, a recent federal study indicates that drowsy driving causes 30,000 motor vehicle accidents and over 700 accident-related deaths each year. According to the same report, an average of 3.3 percent of Missouri drivers reported falling asleep at the wheel during a 30-day period.

This means that if you are driving on a Missouri road, for every 100 motor vehicles you meet, more than three of them are being driven by people who have fallen asleep in the past month while driving. You can only imagine how many drivers you meet who are driving dangerously as they struggle to keep their eyes open.

Signs of drowsy driving

If you are in a vehicle driven by someone you suspect is too sleepy for safe driving, voice your concerns as you may help prevent a car accident. Signs of drowsy driving include:
- Frequent yawning or blinking
- Drifting out of the driving lane
- Hitting a rumble strip or road shoulder
- Tailgating other vehicles
- Missing turns or traffic signals
- Head bobbing

If you know your driver had insufficient sleep or an alcoholic beverage before driving, the risk of falling asleep at the wheel is greatly enhanced. The most dangerous times for those at risk of falling asleep are in the mid-afternoon and between midnight and 6:00 am. Also, young adults under the age of 25 and men are, statistically speaking, more at risk for drowsy driving.

Help for the injured

If you or a loved one is injured in an accident caused by a negligent driver, consult an experienced personal injury attorney as you may be entitled to compensation for your losses.

Article provided by Bley & Evans, LC
Visit us at www.bleylawfirm.com