Increase in Car Accidents due to Sleep Deprivation In Young Drivers
Unfortunately, young drivers are injured or killed every day in a car crash. Experts are making strides in determining the cause and trying to study ways to avoid such tragedies. According to a recent study, young drivers who reported getting less than seven to nine hours of sleep are more likely to have a car accident. While adults need seven to nine hours of sleep, young adults need more. Between working, going to school and having a social life, young drivers may be forfeiting sleep and that could be detrimental when he or she decides to get behind the wheel of a vehicle. The study involved over 19,000 newly licensed drivers between the ages of 17 and 24 who reported having no more than six hours of sleep. The case study tracks these young adults for two years. After pulling police reports, the study showed an increase in car crashes among younger drivers who got fewer than six hours of sleep. Although studies have shown that 20 percent of car crashes are due to drowsy driving in the United States, most of the data did not include young drivers until now. Sleep deprivation in young drivers and others has an impact on alertness and physical performance. When a car crash can be avoided, people are wise to take notice. If he or she was made aware of these findings it may go a long way in saving a young driver’s life. Getting the proper rest may help to avoid the next car accident. If you or a member of your family have been injured in a car crash due to someone else’s negligence a Texas personal injury lawyer can work to get you the compensation owed by the law. Call today for a free consultation.
