Sleep deprivation a major factor in car accidents
A new American study published by the AAA Safety Foundation suggests that sleep deprivation is a significant factor in as many as 1 in 6 car accidents.
Dr. Billitier has this to say: “I'm sure I've seen the effects of lack of sleep as an emergency room physician, from car crashes and other accidents caused when people are not as alert as they should have been.
“It's a problem, but it's not always obvious, though,” he continues, adding that lifestyle factors may contribute to people failing to get enough sleep.
“It is recommended that people get 7 to 8 hours of sleep but in today's world people are extremely busy. Many people work two jobs, they work alternative hours - some days I am one of them”
Lack of sleep is often linked to other serious health problems such as heart disease, obesity, depression and diabetes. This is a serious concern for the safety of drivers; 41% admit to having fallen asleep at the wheel at least once; of these, 11% had done so in the last year.
Don’t let yourself be the victim of such an incident. If you have ever suffered in a car accident which was the other driver’s fault, be sure to make a car accident compensation claim.
Updated on 11/22/2010