Davis Law Group, P.S.

Walla Walla driver falls asleep at wheel

Story Highlights:
One injured in Walla Walla car accident
Motor vehicle collision caused by driver falling asleep at wheel



Date: March 13, 2011, 03/13/2011
Location: Walla Walla, Walla Walla County, Washington
Type: Car accident, Motor vehicle collision
Outcome: One injured

While driving on Highway 12 near the Wallula Junction in Walla Walla, a 23-year-old male fell asleep at the wheel and drove his 2008 Ford Mustang into a 10-foot deep ravine.

The crash occurred around 6 p.m. on Sunday. Miguel Angel Castillo's car traveled about 500 feet before it came to a stop in the ravine. He was treated for minor injuries at St. Mary's Hospital.

Asleep At The Wheel Accident Statistics

• 52 per cent of 107 single-vehicle accidents involving heavy trucks were fatigue-related; in nearly 18 per cent of the cases, the driver admitted to falling asleep.
• The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) estimate that there are 56,000 sleep related road crashes annually in the USA, resulting in 40,000 injuries and 1,550 fatalities.
• In 2007 fatigue was involved in at least 18% of fatal accidents and accounts for about 7% of all accidents.

Warning signs to look out for:

• Continuously yawning, day-dreaming, or wandering in the lane
• Your reactions unintentionally speeding up or slowing down
• Eyes feel stiff or heavy and you find yourself day dreaming
• Your car wanders over the center line or off the edge of the road

Tips to avoid falling asleep at the wheel:

• Avoiding driver fatigue on long trips. Drivers should give themselves plenty of time to get to their destinations and schedule in regular breaks.
• For long trips plan in advance so you know where you are going to take a break.
  
• Take a break at least every 2 hours.
• Plan to stay somewhere overnight if you are going on a long journey.
• Share the driving - and make sure to take rest when you are not driving.
• Try not to drive when you would normally be asleep (early mornings and late nights.)
• Don’t drink and drive. Not only does alcohol severely impair your driving ability, but it also acts as a depressant. Just one drink can induce fatigue.
  
• Avoid smoking when you drive.
  
• Caffeine provides a quick, but short-lived improvement in alertness. So, to capitalize on its benefits, one should use it only when a boost is needed.
• Drink water, eat fruit and healthy snacks rather than fatty and sugary food.

Seattle Car Accident Lawyers
If you or a family member has suffered as the result of a car accident, Seattle car accident attorney Chris Davis and the Davis Law Group, P.S. can help you. We understand the devastation that can occur as a result of being in a serious auto accident. We are committed to helping car accident, trucking accident, and motorcycle accident victims recover the just and fair compensation they are entitled to receive under the law.