WINTERPORT — An Aug. 3, rollover accident was attributed to the effects of driving while drowsy, according to the Waldo County Sheriff’s Office.

Corporal Darrin Moody responded to North Main Street, where the operator of a 2008 Chevrolet was either fatigued or asleep at the wheel when his vehicle left the roadway, according to an official accident report. 

After leaving the roadway on the right side, the vehicle traveled sideways before striking the edge of the road and flipping onto the passenger side. The vehicle then slid down the middle of the road on its side before flipping onto its roof and coming to a stop.

The driver, who was wearing his seat belt at the time of the wreck, complained of pain to the stomach and chest following the crash, but was otherwise uninjured. 

Driving while drowsy is a decision that is riskier than many people realize, according to Chief Jason Trundy. 

“It’s serious, and if someone is feeling tired they need to take a nap, pull over, or find another way [to their intended destination],” he said.

Trundy said he has covered a number of fatal crashes in his career where drowsy driving may have been a contributing factor. Though impossible to know for sure, Trundy said all fatal accidents include a reconstruction of the victim’s last 24 hours, which can sometimes point to a lack of sleep.

There are plenty of other accidents Trundy has seen in his career where drivers were later able to confirm driving while drowsy.

Many don’t consider the dangers of driving while drowsy, but Trundy said that it can have the same effects as alcohol, including impairing a driver’s judgement, slowing reaction time, and the potential to fall asleep without warning.

A National Highway Traffic Safety Administration report for the year 2013 attributed up to 72,000 accidents nationwide to drowsy driving, according to the Center for Disease Control. Of those accidents it is believed over 44,000 injuries are sustained, with over 800 deaths, though the number of fatal accidents could be as high as 6,000.

Signs of drowsy driving include yawning, blinking frequently, missing intended turns, and drifting from your lane among others.  

If drivers experience any warning signs they are encouraged to pull over to rest, or to alternate drivers.

Erica Thoms can be reached at news@penbaypilot.com