Studies show that alcohol and sleep deprivation affect driver performance and behavior in similar ways, causing drivers to be inattentive with delayed reactions.

Accident data indicates that nearly 6,000 lives are lost each year due to drowsy driving.

According to research conducted by the National Institutes of Health , going without sleep for a full 24 hours is equivalent to having a blood alcohol content (BAC) of 0.08 – the legal limit to be charged with drunk driving in Arkansas and nationwide.

Law and Enforcement

Arkansas is one of just two states with laws against drowsy driving.

Arkansas’ law allows the state to charge a motorist involved in a fatal crash with “negligent homicide” if the driver had gone 24 hours without sleep prior to the collision, or had fallen asleep at the wheel after staying awake for 24 hours. But unlike a drunk driver, there’s no road-side test to determine drowsiness, making it difficult to identify drowsy drivers without further research or technology.

Commercial truck drivers are subject to significantly stricter regulations, including mandatory rest breaks that both drivers and trucking companies are required to document. However, enforcing drowsy driving laws on private motorists is difficult at best because the burden of proof is on the police officer to show that the driver stayed awake for 24 hours.

Odom Law Firm has years of experience dealing with sleep deprivation related accidents.

If you’ve been involved in an accident caused by drowsy driving call us today! We take cases for which we are confident we can maximize the value of our clients' claims. If we represent you, you will know that we are giving your case the focused attention it deserves.

Call us at 479-439-9269 or toll free at 866-935-2070 for a free initial consultation.