A woman was injured in a Pawnee County car crash after allegedly falling asleep at the wheel. According to a News9 report, the accident occurred on US 64 south of Cleveland, Oklahoma. Officials say the 28-year-old driver fell asleep while driving her 1993 Honda. Her car ran off the roadway, struck the guardrail, rolled and flipped. She suffered multiple internal and external injuries including trauma to her head, trunk, arm and leg. The authorities stated that she was sleepy in their official report.
This Oklahoma auto accident is an important reminder about the dangers of fatigued driving. These types of accidents are tragically common, and they often result in serious or fatal injuries. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), there are about 100,000 police-reported accidents each year in the United States that are directly attributed to driver fatigue. These crashes result in about 1,550 deaths and 71,000 injuries annually.
It is important that you pull over and have someone else drive if you are:
- Unable to focus on driving
- Yawning
- Struggling to keep your head up or your eyes open
- Drifting from your lane of traffic
- Having trouble remembering the last few miles you have driven
Fatigued driving can be as dangerous as drunk driving, and it is considered a form of driver negligence. Fatigued drivers who fall asleep at the wheel can be held accountable for the damages they cause because drowsy driving is a form of negligent driving. Please remember to only drive when you are wide-awake and capable of focusing on the roadway.
If a fatigued or otherwise careless driver ever hurts you or a loved one, please call Maples Law Firm (405) 705-5050. We will help you get the support you need and work hard to ensure that your legal rights and best interests are protected.
