Shocking accident on the A9: Driver falls asleep and rolls over!

Shocking accident on the A9: Driver falls asleep and rolls over!

On Friday night, a serious accident occurred on the A9 between Lauf and the Nuremberg motorway junction, which can be attributed to the phenomenon of microsleep. A 25-year-old driver fell asleep at the wheel and then left the road. As a result, he collided with the guardrail and rolled over several times. The emergency services found vehicle parts spread across all lanes, and fuels were leaking over a stretch of around 100 meters. The motorway had to be completely closed for around two hours in order to clean the road, as [nn.de](https://www.nn.de/region/nuernberger-land/sekunden Schlaf-autofahrer-uberschlagt-sich-auf-der-a9-bei-lauf-1.14723398) reported.

The driver was only slightly injured in the incident and was taken to hospital in an ambulance. His car, which was no longer drivable, was recovered by the towing service. The damage caused by this accident amounts to around 15,000 euros. Both the Fischbach motorway maintenance department and the Lauf fire department were on site and were responsible for securing the accident site and cleaning the road.

Fatigue at the wheel: A serious problem

The accident sheds light on a serious issue in road traffic: microsleep. These short sleep episodes, which can last up to 15 seconds, cause drivers to lose control of their vehicle. According to the German Road Safety Council, fatigue contributes significantly to accident statistics, with a quarter of all road deaths being attributable to this factor (Deutschlandfunk Nova). Microsleep is not only dangerous, but also often difficult to detect. During these short phases, those affected often close their eyes and no longer notice external stimuli.

More and more studies are proving the dangers posed by tired drivers. In 2021, the Federal Statistical Office registered 1,507 accidents with personal injuries that were caused by fatigue. However, the number of unreported cases is significantly higher because many drivers do not cite fatigue as the cause of an accident (ADAC). This is also evident in surveys: Over 26% of drivers surveyed reported that they had fallen asleep at the wheel.

Prevention is the best protection

The question of how to avoid microsleep is becoming more and more urgent. Monotonous roads in dark environments are particularly dangerous areas. Anyone who already feels signs of fatigue while driving should take them seriously. Burning eyes, frequent yawning or difficulty concentrating are clear warning signs. In such moments, a short break or nap of 15 to 20 minutes often helps. The EU has also reacted: All new vehicles must be equipped with fatigue warning systems to warn drivers of their exhaustion in good time (ADAC).

Conclusion: microsleep should not be underestimated. The tragic incident on the A9 should make us all think. Safe driving starts with a well-rested driver - a good reason to take timely breaks and check your fitness behind the wheel.