Marshall P. Whalley & Associates
(855)442-7211
Contact Us
  • Home
  • Overview
  • Attorneys
    • Marshall Whalley
    • Kara Bekelya
  • Personal Injury
    • Traumatic Brain Injury
    • Animal Attacks
    • Premises Liability
    • Slip and Fall
    • Defective Products
    • Burn Injury
    • Wrongful Death
    • Workers Compensation
      • Work Related Injuries
      • Repetitive Trauma Injuries
  • Vehicle Accidents
    • Car Accidents
      • Common causes
    • Boating Accidents
    • Airplane Accidents
    • Uninsured Underinsured Motorists
    • Motorcycle Accidents
    • Bicycle Accidents
    • Railroad Accidents
    • articles
  • Truck Accidents
    • Common Causes of Truck Accidents
    • Truck driver negligence
    • Trucking Company Negligence
  • Medical Malpractice
    • Birth Injuries
    • Cerebral Palsy
    • FAILURE TO DIAGNOSE/DELAYED DIAGNOSIS
    • Surgical Errors
    • Informed Consent
    • MEDICATION AND MEDICAL RECORDS’ ERRORS
    • What To Know About Indiana Medical Malpractice
    • Medical Devices
  • Testimonials
  • Blog
  • Contact Us
  • Menu Menu

Drowsy Drivers – hazards on Indiana highways

June 20, 2018/0 Comments/in Uncategorized /by damg20

In neighboring La Porte, David Claxton dozed off at the wheel while approaching an intersection.  It was midday, and he said that he had slept nine hours the previous night.

There are many reasons that a person may drive while drowsy – but other than a previously unknown medical condition, none are legitimate. 

Drivers who operate motor vehicles while excessively sleepy are just as dangerous as drivers who drive while under the influence of drugs or alcohol – so says the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

The most recent data from the NHTSA includes a report that studied crashes as a result of drowsy driving or fatigued driving.

While some studies claim that around 2% of crashes can be attributed to fatigue, other reputable sources, like the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety, believe the number to be far higher.

AAA studied data from NHTSA and the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).  They concluded that 16.5% of all fatal crashes were the result of drowsy driving, and researchers say that the numbers are rising.

Claxton crashed into a telephone pole; no one else was injured, but Claxton suffered broken bones and his vehicle was a total loss. While receiving medical treatment, Claxton learned that he had sleep apnea.  He was able to seek treatment for the disorder.

Claxton is the exception, not the rule.

Next steps

If you or a loved one has been involved in an accident and you suspect that the driver that hit you was drowsy or may have fallen asleep, please call Marshall P. Whalley immediately. Call 219-769-2900 to schedule a free consultation.

Drowsy driving causes 16.5%, or 5000+ crash deaths annually

It may seem like a new phenomenon, but it’s not.  Nearly 10 years ago the state of Massachusetts formed a special commissioned to study the subject.  They concluded that it’s possible that 1.2 million crashes – more than 8000 people per year – lose their lives to drowsy drivers.

While the exact number of crash fatalities cannot be known, the police are trained to look for signs of driver error that points to fatigue and statistical methodologies that indicate drowsiness was a factor.

Fatigue crashes most likely:

  • Occur between 1am to 6am or in the late afternoon
  • Feature a single driver with no passengers going off-road
  • Include high rates of speed with no evidence of braking at the scene of the accident
  • Involve rear-end and head-on crashes

The only way that drivers can avoid driver fatigue is to get more sleep – but many people think that short term measures like drinking strong coffee or energy drinks will help.  Drivers might feel more alert, but the effects wear off quickly.

Be vigilant, watch for signs of fatigue

It is reasonable to assume that at some point you will engage with a sleep-deprived driver – but you can mitigate the damage that your family may suffer if you practice these defensive driving measures:

  • Be aware of your surroundings
  • Have an escape route
  • Be vigilant during peak drowsy driving times
  • Watch for drivers who engage with rumble strips or cross road lines

If a drowsy driver hits you or a loved one

If you are involved in a crash and you suspect that the other driver may be sleep-deprived or fatigued, please call Marshall P. Whalley immediately.  Whalley & Associates has served the people of Indiana, Michigan and Illinois for more than 30 years.  They are knowledgeable, trustworthy experts that are dedicated to helping victims obtain justice and full value compensation in both personal injury and wrongful death claims.  Call the law offices of to schedule a free case evaluation.

Marshall P. Whalley & Associates, PC

5 West 112th Avenue

Crown Point, IN 46307

219-769-2900

Share this entry
  • Share on Facebook
  • Share on Twitter
  • Share on WhatsApp
  • Share on Pinterest
  • Share on LinkedIn
  • Share on Tumblr
  • Share on Vk
  • Share on Reddit
  • Share by Mail
0 0 damg20 https://marshallslaw.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/marshall-whalley-logo-final-01-002-logo.png damg202018-06-20 10:39:432018-06-20 10:39:43Drowsy Drivers – hazards on Indiana highways
0 replies

Leave a Reply

Want to join the discussion?
Feel free to contribute!

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

  • Does Indiana Need New Laws to Curb the Number of Fatal Car Accidents that are Occurring?January 25, 2019 - 10:38 am
  • Which Types of Vehicles are Indiana Drivers Required to Yield the Right of Way To?January 22, 2019 - 9:58 am
  • Mayor of Carmel, Indiana Engages in 3rd Car Accident While Serving as MayorJanuary 10, 2019 - 1:39 pm
  • Are You Aware of Indiana’s Social Host Law?January 7, 2019 - 10:44 am
  • Mother of 13-Year-Old Killed in Bus Accident Files Wrongful Death Lawsuit Against Trucker Who Caused WreckDecember 28, 2018 - 11:54 am
  • Hammond Resident Sues Lake County Sheriff’s Department After Accident Involving Officer Led to Him Suffering a Brain InjuryDecember 26, 2018 - 11:20 am
  • Suspected Drunk Driver Causes Chain Reaction Crash on I-80 in Northwest IndianaDecember 12, 2018 - 11:17 am
  • As the Winter Season Approaches Indiana State Police Respond to More Car AccidentsDecember 3, 2018 - 4:07 pm
  • 2018 Winter Driving TipNovember 27, 2018 - 2:09 pm
  • Can I File a Lawsuit to Recover Damages if I Slipped and Fell on Someone Else’s Property?November 19, 2018 - 1:45 pm

Marshall P. Whalley & Associates, PC


  • Crown Point Office

    51 W 112th Ave
    Crown Point, IN 46307

  • Phone

    855.442.7211
    219.769.2900

  • Fax

    219.769.2995

  • E-Mail

    staff@marshallslaw.com

  • Map Direction

    Get Maps & Directions >>

Contact Us


Providing Strong Legal Representation Since 2008

    Please prove you are human by selecting the Heart.

     
    12

    Car Accident

    Truck Accident

    Motorcycle Accident

    Biclycle Accident

    Airplane Accident

    Boating Accident

    Results


    Marshall P. Whalley & Associates, PC focuses on personal injury and wrongful death. We’ve successfully managed cases dealing with a variety of injury events, including auto accidents, premises liability, defective products and medical malpractice. We also help injured employees claim the benefits they’re due under the workers’ compensation system. We’ve been particularly successful throughout Indiana with truck accident cases.

    • $5 Million

      Wrongful Death of Good Samaritan

    • $4 Million

      Medical Malpractice.

    • $7 Million

      $7 million products liability settlement for a woman who survived a house explosion due to leaking natural gas.

    • $6.8 Million

      $6.8 million auto crash settlement for a man with multiple injuries

    • $5 Million

      $5 million products liability settlement for man receiving significant cryogenic burns as a result of being exposed to liquid nitrogen

    View More Results

    For more than 30 years, Marshall P. Whalley & Associates, PC has built a strong reputation by litigating complex, high-value personal injury and wrongful death cases.

    Call Now (855) 442-7211
    51 W 112th Ave
    Crown Point, IN 46307

    Fax: 219 769 2995

    Contact Us

    © Copyright - Marshall P. Whalley & Associates
    • Areas Served
    • Testimonials
    New technology for drivers Pedestrians in danger
    Scroll to top