Wildomar Crash - Caused By Drowsy Driving?

A crash in Wildomar earlier today has left a woman in critical condition and on life support.  According to the Press Enterprise, the collision occurred on Bundy Canyon just before 5:00 a.m.  The victim, a woman driving a Honda CRV, was reportedly hit head on when the driver of a Mercedes crossed into her lane and the two cars collided.  Both drivers were transported from the scene by ambulance to the hospital.  The driver of the Mercedes apparently sustained only minor injuries. 

See the Press Enterprise story HERE.

Given the description of the accident reported to the Press Enterprise and the timing of the collision (early in the morning), the likelihood is that this tragic crash was caused by driver inattention, perhaps the result of drowsy driving.  According to DrowsyDriving.org, the following facts have been established via various studies having to do with tired driving:

• Vehicles in which the driver was accompanied by a passenger were nearly 50 percent less likely to be involved in a drowsy driving related crash.
• More than half (55%) of those drivers who reported having fallen asleep while driving in the past year said that it occurred on a high-speed divided highway.
• More than half (59%) of those drivers who reported having fallen asleep while driving in the past year said they had been driving for less than an hour before falling asleep; only one in five reported they had been driving for three hours or longer.
• More than one in four drivers (26%) who reported having fallen asleep while driving in the past year reported that it had occurred between noon and 5 p.m.
• Men (52%) were much more likely than women (30%) to report having ever fallen asleep while driving; men (14%) were also more likely than women (8%) to admit having done so in the past year.
• Drivers age 24 and younger were most likely to report having fallen asleep in the past year, but they were least likely to report having ever fallen asleep. This is consistent with other studies that have found younger drivers to have a higher risk of falling asleep at the wheel.

While only a detailed investigation will reveal the precise cause of the accident above, tired driving is something everyone should seek to avoid.  Accidents involving drowsy drivers are preventable, and no deadline or other reason for driving while sleepy can justify the risk being taken.  The victim in the Wildomar accident had no choice...perhaps the other driver did.

Compensation for the victims of drowsy driving accidents should be an important concern for all Californians.  When a tired driver causes a tragic accident like the one above, he or she should be held accountable.  An Orange County injury attorney with experience at handling traffic collision cases can make a fair assessment of these claims.  Mr. Ralph has more than 21 years of experience handling automobile accident cases, including those caused by drowsy drivers.  He can be reached at 714-919-4415 for a FREE CONSULTATION.

Have you or a family member been victimized by a drowsy driver?

Nothing in this post is intended to suggest the Law Offices of Paul W. Ralph currently represents anyone involved in the news story above. This posting should not be construed as legal advice or an opinion on the merit of any particular matter. A consultation is the best way to obtain an assessment of your potential case.