Technologies may reduce drowsy driving accidents

Many South Carolina drivers probably recall the 2014 accident in New Jersey that left comedian Tracy Morgan in serious condition and another person dead. Although there were many questions regarding the accident, it was believed that the truck driver who caused the accident had not slept for 28 hours prior to the incident. Drowsy driving is extremely dangerous and accounts for an estimated 25 percent of fatal accidents. As such, many companies are looking to technology to potentially reduce the number of drowsy driving accidents that occur.

The most common safety system that trucks and passenger vehicles may have is forward collision warning. Cameras or lasers are used to detect any objects that many be in the driver’s path. The driver may be alerted by beeps or flashing lights; the truck or passenger vehicle may even brake. Lane and road departure warnings also alert the driver if the vehicle veers into another lane or off the road.

Other car companies have installed a steering gauge that analyze the driver’s steering adjustments. Fatigue can cause the driver to adjust the steering wheel less, leading to a drowsy driving accident. The system beeps or flashes a sign on the vehicle’s dashboard. Additionally, drivers can use phone apps or other gadgets to help keep a drowsy driver safe if the vehicle does not come with any inbuilt systems.

Car accidents can occur at any time, and injured victims often are left with mounting medical bills and are unable to return to work. Those who have been injured in a collision caused by a drowsy or otherwise negligent driver may want to discuss their options with a personal injury attorney.