A recent survey conducted by the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety shows that young adults are more likely to drive on fumes than more experienced drivers and even the newest drivers on the road. We aren’t referencing the amount of gas in the car’s tank either; we are talking about how much energy a driver has.

Maybe the group of drivers in the age range of 19 years to 24 years old has started to get comfortable behind the wheel but hasn’t gained a lot of life experience, creating a window for increased drowsy driving? Maybe, but whatever the reason, 33 percent of this group were more inclined to admit to drowsy driving than any other age group.

The data was taken from the 2013 Traffic Safety Culture Index survey. On a whole, drivers do admit that getting behind the wheel while sleepy is a dangerous activity. In fact, 95 percent of all individuals surveyed said that this choice is unacceptable. Another 83 percent said that it actually puts others at risk.

But the numbers don’t really add up. Despite the overall understanding of drowsy driving dangers, over 28 percent of all the drivers surveyed admitted to nodding off from time to time while behind the wheel.

This choice does have consequences. Data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration shows that approximately 1,550 people die and another 71,000 are injured every year in a car accident involving drowsy driving.

After an accident, a Missouri attorney will conduct an investigation to look for negligent behaviors such as this one. Drowsy driving is a choice that could leave an individual liable for damages when their actions leave another with serious injuries.

Source: The Delphos Herald, “Young drivers more likely to drive fatigued,” Stephanie Groves, Nov. 14, 2013