Washington Head-On Collision Caused by Sleepy Driver

By Hardwick & Pendergast, P.S. on December 9, 2013

A head-on collision that left two women hospitalized with injuries was caused by a driver who fell asleep at the wheel, The Spokesman-Review reports. Washington State Patrol officials say that a 19-year-old woman driving a 2004 Chevy Cavalier crossed the centerline while traveling south on state Highway 27 south of Freeman. Investigators said the woman fell asleep. Her vehicle drifted into opposing lanes of traffic and struck a sedan driven by a 56-year-old woman. Both women were transported to area hospitals. Their injuries are not believed to be life threatening.

Fatigued driving is driving while tired or sleepy. This could have serious consequences because fatigue impairs your ability to safely perform basic driving tasks such as staying in your lane. Fatigue also decreases reaction time, affects judgment, and can result in erratic driving – putting everyone on the roadway in grave danger. If you are feeling sleepy or tired and are unable to keep your eyes open, then you should pull over to a safe location and rest before you get on with your journey.

There are several steps you can take to avoid drowsy or fatigued driving:

• Get a good night’s sleep before embarking on a long trip.
• Do not travel for more than eight to 10 hours a day.
• Take regular breaks – at least once every two hours.
• Share the driving whenever possible.
• Don’t eat a heavy meal or drink alcohol before your trip.
• Do not travel late at night when you’d usually be sleeping.

Fatigued driving is negligent driving. If a negligent driver has injured you, please contact an experienced Washington car accident lawyer to obtain more information about pursuing your legal rights. In such cases, injured victims can seek compensation for damages such as medical expenses, lost wages, permanent injuries, pain and suffering, and emotional distress.