According to the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety, there are approximately 328,000 annual car accidents that involve drowsy driving. That figure includes 6,400 crashes that cause fatalities and 109,000 that cause injuries to the people involved. Drowsy driving is among the most prominent risks on Connecticut roads, especially when it comes to the ride-sharing industry. Drivers who work for companies like Uber or Lyft are generally independent contractors, which means they make their own schedules. Some ride-share drivers are working too much and driving drowsy.

Uber has instituted a requirement that its drivers must go offline for at least six consecutive hours after 12 hours of drive time. Lyft similarly restricts drivers, requiring a break of six hours following 14 hours of drive time. However, the American Academy of Sleep Medicine has called these limits insufficient given that many ride-share drivers work other jobs or drive for multiple companies.

A typical schedule for a ride-share driver might require driving at the end of the workday or at night. The president of the AASM said medical professionals, government officials, law enforcement officers and ride-share companies should work together to handle drowsy driving in the industry.

Someone who gets hurt in a car accident with a drowsy driver may have a claim for relief. The injured party might be able to recover compensation for lost wages, medical bills and other damages. A lawyer experienced in personal injury law could help in such a case by gathering evidence. If the case cannot be settled, the attorney might draft and file a lawsuit.