News has been circulating about the fatal accident that claimed the life of one man and critically injured comedian Tracy Morgan. Reports are now saying the driver of the Wal-Mart truck that allegedly caused the accident had not slept in more than 24 hours. While this case is still ongoing, it highlights how dangerous driving without proper sleep can be.
“A Wal-Mart truck driver charged in the fatal New Jersey traffic accident that left comedian Tracy Morgan critically injured had not slept in more than 24 hours, according to a criminal complaint filed on Monday. Kevin Roper, a Wal-Mart employee who was driving a company tractor trailer at the time of the crash, has been charged with one count of vehicular homicide and three counts of injury by auto, according to the criminal complaint filed in Middlesex County Court. Roper, 35, had not slept “in excess of 24 hours,” a criminal violation of New Jersey state law, the complaint said. He is expected to make his first court appearance on Wednesday.” Wal-Mart said it believes Roper was operating “within the federal hours of service regulations,” according to a statement released by spokeswoman Brooke Buchanan. The company did not respond to a request for Roper’s itinerary.” – huffingtonpost.com
More than 100,000 crashes occur each year as a result of lack of sleep. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports 40,000 people are injured and 1,550 people are killed each year from these types of accidents. Proper sleep will help drivers stay alert and aware of those traveling around them. If you see a vehicles drifting between lanes, driving too fast or slow, or one with delayed reaction times, call 911 immediately. If you have been in a car accident and believe driver fatigue was responsible, contact Eason & Tambornini, A Law Corporation today.
