Teen drivers are often thought of as dangerous drivers. They might be more likely to drive over the speed limit while texting. Some assume that they are more likely to make mistakes because they are so new to driving. But a new study has shown a different cause for why teens are involved in many car accidents.
Researchers at the George Institute for Global Health in Sydney Australia reviewed nearly 20,000 driving records for both male and female drivers between the ages of 17 and 24. It also asked questioned these drivers sleeping habits. Researchers tried to find a connection between sleepiness and car accidents.
Those teens who slept around 6 hours or less were 20% more likely to be involved in an accident in a two year period than their peers who got more sleep. “Less sleep per night significantly increased the risk for crash for young drivers,” the researchers wrote in the American Medical Association journal. It remained the same even given factors such as people’s ages, prior crash history and the number of hours behind the wheel per week.
Although this study focused on the residents of New South Wales, the problem is more global. There are multiple studies done in the US which warn of the dangers of drowsy driving. Just last year the AAA Foundation revealed that over 14% of drivers between the ages of 16 to 24 admitted to falling asleep at least once over the year. The CDC has a similar study of 18 to 44 year olds of which 5% admitted to dozing off while driving.
Sleeping and driving can cause fatal accidents and some authorities say that one in six . If you or a loved one have been injured in a car accident, then you need the assistance of a legal professional. Contact the skilled legal team at Begum Law Group in San Antonio who can assist you in receiving the compensation you deserve.
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