How bad is fatigued driving? Well, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, drowsy driving causes more than 100,000 crashes a year which result in 40,000 injuries and 1,550 deaths. According to Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, driver fatigue is the number one factor in large truck crashes. In fact, a recent study has found drowsy driving can be just as dangerous as driving while intoxicated.
New Jersey has tried to battle drowsy driving by passing Maggie’s Law. The law states drivers who, after staying awake for 24 hours, get into a fatal accident will be charged with vehicular homicide. It was named after Maggie McDonnell, who had died in a head-on collision with a fatigued driver. But the best way to combat drowsy driving is not getting behind the wheel at all.
If you have been in an auto accident with a drowsy driver, you’re going to need an experienced personal injury lawyer by your side. Contact the Law Offices of Anthony Carbone today for a free consultation.