Personal Injury Law

NC State Linebacker Early Morning Car Accident a Reminder to Stay Well Rested When You Travel

By Linda Egerton

NC State junior linebacker Nate Irving suffered a broken leg and collapsed lung after a single car accident early Sunday morning. According to the Associated Press and ESPN his car ran off the road at after 4:00 a.m. because of fatigue.

State Highway Patrol spokesman Capt. Everett Clendenin said the one-vehicle wreck occurred about 4:40 a.m. Sunday on Interstate 40 in western Johnston County. He said Irving's vehicle ran off the road twice before striking two trees.

Clendenin said troopers believe Irving may have fallen asleep at the wheel.

This tragic, yet thankfully not fatal, accident is a strong reminder not to drive without getting enough sleep. Driving when drowsy is just as dangerous as driving drunk. According to Safety.com driving while tired causes over 100,000 car accidents each year.

So, next time you get in the car make sure you have had enough sleep. If you start to feel tired, you should find a place to stop and take a nap for at least 20 minutes. It may seem silly or inconvenient, but it could save your life.

Full post as published by Greensboro Personal Injury Lawyer on June 29, 2009 (boomark / email).