Will Ferrell Hospitalized After Mission Viejo Car Accident
Will Ferrell Hospitalized After Mission Viejo Car Accident
Actor and comedian Will Ferrell was injured in a Mission Viejo car accident after the SUV in which he was a passenger was struck by a drowsy driver the night of April 12. According to a news report in The Orange County Register, the incident occurred on the Interstate 5 in Orange County. Ferrell, 50, was riding in a black Lincoln SUV with three others in the northbound carpool lane. At the same time, a 22-year-old man driving a Toyota car in the lane to the right of the SUV just north of La Paz Rod in Mission Viejo, swerved and struck the Lincoln.
Drowsy Driving Caused Crash
California Highway Patrol officials said the driver of the Toyota had fallen asleep and struck the rear end of the Lincoln Navigator causing it to hit the center divider wall. The SUV then spun and flipped injuring all four aboard. One of the passengers, a 27-year-old woman, sustained serious injuries.
Officials say alcohol or drugs were not factors in the crash. No arrests or citations were reported. Ferrell’s injuries were non-life-threatening. He was transported to an area hospital, but was released after treatment. The SUV was driven by chauffeur and the actor was reportedly on his way back from a “Funny or Die” event outside San Diego.
Sleepy Drivers are Dangerous
Some of the common risks for drowsy driving include sleep loss, driving patterns (at what time you drive), use of sedating medications such as antihistamines, untreated sleep disorders such as sleep apnea and consumption of alcohol. A combination of these factors could substantially increase the risk of a crash. Those in the 16 to 29 age group are at the highest risk based on evidence from crash reports and self-reports of sleep behavior and driving performance. Shift workers whose sleep is disrupted by working late nights or long, irregular hours, are also at risk for drowsy driving.
Tips to Prevent Drowsy Driving
Fatigued or drowsy driving impairs your skills and judgment. There are steps you can take to prevent driving while drowsy:
- Make sure you get enough sleep/rest before you get on the road. If you are tired or sleepy, take a nap before you head out.
- Do not consumer alcohol or take medications (prescription or over-the-counter) before you get behind the wheel. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist before you take any of these medications.
- It’s safest to drive with a partner on long trips. Pull over every two hours and switch drivers, while the other takes a nap if possible.
- Caffeine can help you temporarily. But it’s no substitute for a good night’s rest.
The best thing to do if you are sleepy is not to drive. Remember, you may be held liable for any crashes you cause while driving drowsy. If you have been injured in a crash involving a drowsy driver, call an experienced Orange County car accident lawyer to obtain more information about pursuing your legal rights.
