In the early morning hours on Friday, a driver fell asleep at the wheel and caused a crash near Weaverville. According to WLOS ABC News Channel 13, the wreck happened in the westbound lanes of I-26 at about 1:45 a.m. The driver of a Chevrolet Suburban reportedly fell asleep behind the wheel and lost control of the vehicle. The SUV struck a guardrail and rolled several times. Thankfully, that person did not suffer from serious injuries. First responders were swiftly on the scene, where traffic had to be diverted to the New Stock Road exit. A portion of the roadway was closed until about 3:15 a.m. The driver involved was charged with reckless driving.
The Facts on Drowsy Driving
- Each year, an estimated 1,550 people are killed in crashes involving driver fatigue.
- An estimated 100,000 police-reported wrecks are the direct result of driver fatigue each year.
- Every year, approximately 71,000 injuries are attributed to driver fatigue.
- Crashes involving driver fatigue account for $12.5 billion in annual monetary losses in the U.S.
The Dangers of Drowsy Driving
Some studies show that sleepiness can impair driving as much or more than alcohol. If you’re sleep deprived and you get behind the wheel, you could be putting your life or the lives of others at risk. Falling asleep behind the wheel is obviously the largest risk of drowsy driving, but even if you do remain awake, your ability to safely drive a vehicle is greatly diminished. Drowsiness can slow down your reaction times, negatively impact your driving performance and reduce your alertness behind the wheel.
Drowsy Driving Warning Signs
- Frequent blinking or longer duration of blinks
- Head nodding
- Having trouble keeping your eye’s open and focused
- Memory lapses
- Daydreaming
- Drifting from one lane to the other or off of the road entirely
Stay Alert, Arrive Alive Asheville
Officials with the National Sleep Foundation are reminding motorists to Stay Alert to Arrive Alive, especially as we get ready for daylight saving time changes. If you have been injured or if you have lost a loved one in a car accident involving a suspected drowsy driver, contact Davis Law Group, P.A. at 888-773-8388 for a free case consultation.