Drowsy driving is a serious issue that can lead to devastating consequences on Mississippi’s roads. Driving while fatigued slows reaction times, decreases awareness, and impairs judgment in much the same way as alcohol consumption. This dangerous combination increases the risk of motor vehicle accidents that can result in traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) with long-term effects.
The Prevalence of Drowsy Driving
Drowsy driving is more widespread than many people realize. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that 35% of U.S. drivers sleep less than the recommended minimum of 7 hours per night. Sleep deprivation causes impairments that make drowsy driving as risky as driving drunk.
According to reports, around 100,000 police-reported crashes involve drowsy driving each year. These crashes cause over 1,500 deaths and 71,000 injuries annually nationwide. Drowsy driving plays a role in over 5% of all motor vehicle crash fatalities.
The Causes and Effects of Fatigue
Driver fatigue can result from a lack of quality sleep, driving for extended periods of time, untreated sleep disorders, medications, drinking alcohol, and shift work. Drowsy drivers experience slower reaction times, reduced awareness, memory lapses, lane drifting, blurred vision, and lack of attention.
When fatigued, drivers may experience microsleeps, which are brief episodes of light sleep that can last up to 30 seconds. At highway speeds, a car will travel the length of a football field during just 4 seconds. This puts drowsy drivers at high risk for a crash that can cause a traumatic brain injury.
Being awake for 18 hours produces impairment equal to a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.05%. After 24 hours awake, impairment is equal to a 0.10% BAC. For reference, 0.08% is legally drunk.
Traumatic Brain Injuries: A Devastating Outcome
A traumatic brain injury (TBI) occurs when a bump, blow, or jolt to the head interferes with the brain’s normal functioning. TBIs range from mild concussions to severe, life-threatening injuries. Motor vehicle crashes are a leading cause of TBI-related emergency room visits, hospitalizations, and deaths in the U.S.
Unfortunately, Mississippi has high rates of TBI-related hospitalizations and deaths compared to other states. Experts believe this is partly due to the large number of motor vehicle crashes caused by distracted and drowsy driving on Mississippi’s roads and highways.
TBIs can result in short-term effects like headaches, confusion, light sensitivity, nausea, and lack of coordination. More severe TBIs lead to long-term complications including impaired cognition, emotional regulation, vision, hearing, balance, and communication.
TBI patients often require extensive medical treatment including emergency transport, hospitalization, surgery, medications, and therapeutic services. The financial costs quickly add up, with moderate to severe TBIs costing over $1 million in lifetime medical expenses.
Many TBI patients are unable to return to work or school and suffer financial and emotional tolls from the life-changing effects of their injury. Depression, anxiety, aggression, and impaired relationships frequently occur after a traumatic brain injury.
Drowsy Driving Trends in Mississippi
Several factors contribute to drowsy driving risks specific to Mississippi:
- Long commutes: Over 28% of Mississippi workers commute 30 minutes or more to their jobs, increasing fatigue behind the wheel. The average commute time in Mississippi is 24.4 minutes.
- Shift work: A significant number of Mississippi’s workforce has alternative shifts like overnight, evening, or rotating schedules that disrupt natural sleep patterns. These abnormal schedules are linked to higher crash risks.
- Highway hypnosis: Long stretches of highway combined with the monotony of driving impairs alertness. Mississippi has over 11,000 miles of public highways, including Interstates 10, 20, 55, 59, 69, 110 and 220.
- Lack of safety measures: Mississippi does not have laws to address drowsy driving prevention or consequences. Only two states have these laws. Fatigue-related crashes often go underreported without legal motivators.
- Poor sleep health: Mississippi has high rates of sleep disorders. Over 33% of residents report insufficient sleep, and the state has higher than average obesity rates tied to conditions like sleep apnea.
Spotting the Warning Signs
It’s vital to recognize the signs that drowsiness is setting in and take action before an impairment-related collision occurs:
- Frequent yawning or difficulty keeping eyes open
- Inability to remember the last few miles driven
- Missing exits or traffic signs
- Lane drifting, tailgating, or hitting rumble strips
- Blurred or double vision
- Heavy eyelids, eye rubbing, or head nodding
If you experience any of these warning signs, it’s time to pull over immediately to a safe area and take a 15-30 minute nap. Have a caffeinated snack, turn on bright lights, play energizing music, or call an alert passenger to take over driving duties. Trying to push through drowsiness often ends tragically.
Preventing the Dangers of Drowsy Driving
Many drowsy driving crashes can be prevented by driver education and proper precautions:
- Prioritize sleep: Adults need 7-9 hours of sleep per night. Teens need 8-10 hours. Make sleep a priority for safe driving.
- Schedule breaks: Take a 15-20 minute break every 2 hours to refresh. Have a caffeinated snack and move around.
- Avoid alcohol: Consuming alcohol before driving magnifies drowsiness and its effects.
- Recognize warning signs: Yawning, eyelid drooping, weaving, blurred vision or difficulty focusing indicate it’s time to pull over immediately and rest.
- Bring an alert passenger: A passenger can watch for warning signs and help keep the driver awake.
- Get treatment: Consult a doctor if you suspect a sleep disorder like sleep apnea is affecting your sleep quality.
- Use technology: Consider alertness monitoring devices or apps to detect fatigue. Set reminders for rest stops.
- Plan ahead: Ensure proper rest before a long drive. Travel at times you are normally awake. Switch off driving duties.
Legal Help Is Available
If you or a loved one sustained a traumatic brain injury in a Mississippi motor vehicle accident caused by a drowsy driver, contact the experienced attorneys at Monge & Associates for a free consultation by calling (888) 477-0597 today. With 32 offices in 19 states, including Mississippi, Utah, and Washington, our team has the resources to handle TBI cases across the country while providing personal, compassionate guidance to clients. Let us review your case at no cost to help you understand your legal options for pursuing the maximum compensation available. Don’t go through this difficult time alone. Get the legal support you deserve.