Why Drowsy Driving Can Be Just as Dangerous as Drunk Driving

For most people in the United States, driving is an everyday activity. Because many people travel along regular routes during the same times each day, they may have a false sense of security, and they may not fully consider the risks they may face or the necessity of taking care to protect themselves and others while behind the wheel. However, it is important to recognize that driving comes with significant responsibilities and risks. Issues that affect a person’s ability to maintain control of their vehicle, react to changes on the road, and avoid dangerous situations can lead to car accidents that may result in serious injuries or death. 

Drowsy driving is one of the most overlooked dangers that can affect people on the road. Many people experience fatigue for a variety of reasons, and while they may do everything they can to remain awake and fully focused on the road, their ability to drive safely is likely to be diminished. In fact, drowsy driving can be just as hazardous as driving under the influence of alcohol. Understanding the effects of fatigue on the body and mind and recognizing how drowsy driving can increase the likelihood of accidents is crucial for ensuring safety on the road. People who are injured by drowsy drivers will need to understand their legal options, and with the help of an attorney, they can take steps to recover financial compensation for the harm they have suffered.

Reasons Drivers May Become Drowsy or Fatigued

Several factors can contribute to fatigued or drowsy driving, including:

• Lack of sleep: Adults typically need seven to nine hours of sleep per night to function optimally. Many Americans fail to receive enough sleep due to busy schedules or other issues.
• Work schedules: People who work night shifts or irregular hours are more likely to suffer from sleep deprivation. When they drive during times when they are naturally less alert, they will be more likely to become drowsy.
• Sleep disorders: Conditions like sleep apnea or insomnia can significantly reduce the quality of a person’s sleep. If a person cannot get enough rest when sleeping, they will be more likely to become drowsy during the day.
• Medications: Some medicines have side effects that include drowsiness. These may include over-the-counter drugs such as cough, cold, or flu medicines, as well as certain types of prescription drugs such as opioid pain medications.
• Alcohol consumption: Even if a driver is below the legal limit for blood alcohol content (BAC), any alcohol they consumed before getting behind the wheel may cause them to feel more drowsy. When a person is tired after a long day, alcohol can make symptoms of fatigue worse.
• Long drives: Extended periods behind the wheel without breaks can lead to fatigue. Those who drive during late-night hours will be more likely to become drowsy or nod off while behind the wheel.
• Monotonous roads: Driving on long, straight roads can induce a trance-like state, making a driver more prone to drowsiness.

The Effects of Fatigue on the Body and Mind

Fatigue can severely impair a person’s driving abilities. Here are some of the key ways that a person’s ability to drive safely may be impaired if they are tired or drowsy:

• Delayed reaction times: Fatigue can slow down the brain's processing speed. Drowsy drivers may take longer to react to unexpected events on the road, and even a minor delay can result in a dangerous accident.
• Impaired judgment: Fatigue affects a person’s decision-making abilities. Drivers who are tired or drowsy may be more likely to engage in dangerous behaviors, and they may not make safe choices when reacting to conditions on the road.
• Decreased attention: A tired driver will have a shorter attention span. They may find it difficult to stay focused on the road, increasing the likelihood that they will miss important details or fail to notice traffic signs. These issues can become even worse if a driver is distracted by attempts to stay awake, such as listening to the radio or eating and drinking.
• Microsleeps: People who are fatigued may experience involuntary episodes of sleep that can last from a fraction of a second to a few seconds. During a microsleep, the driver is essentially unconscious and unaware of their surroundings. This can be very dangerous, significantly increasing the chances of an accident.

Similarities Between Fatigue and Alcohol Intoxication

The impairments caused by fatigue are strikingly similar to those caused by alcohol intoxication. In fact people who remain awake for 24 hours have a mental state that is equivalent to being over the legal BAC limit. Effects of drowsiness that are similar to being drunk include:

• Cognitive impairment: Both fatigue and alcohol can impair a person’s cognitive functions, leading to poor judgment and decision-making.
• Motor skill deterioration: Just as alcohol affects coordination and motor skills, fatigue can cause similar impairments, making it difficult to control a motor vehicle.
• Slowed reaction times: Both a drowsy driver and a drunk driver will experience delayed reactions, which can be critical factors in car accidents.

Legal Liability for Accidents Caused by Drowsy Driving

If a person causes an accident due to drowsiness or fatigue, they can be held liable for the damages suffered by victims. Drivers have a legal duty to operate their vehicles safely. Driving while drowsy breaches this duty of care, making the driver negligent. If their negligence leads to an accident, they can be held responsible for any resulting damages.

Proving that fatigue played a role in an accident can involve various types of evidence, such as testimony from a person’s passengers or other drivers, witness accounts of the driver’s behavior before the accident, or medical records showing that a person has experienced sleep disorders or used medications that led to drowsiness. Evidence from the scene of an accident may also be a significant factor. For example, a lack of skid marks may indicate that a driver made no attempt to brake because they had fallen asleep.

Legal Representation in Drowsy Driving Car Accident Cases

Drowsy driving is a serious issue that can put everyone on the road at risk. People who have been injured by drivers who were fatigued or engaged in other unsafe behaviors will need to understand their legal options. With the help of a McKinney car accident attorney, a person can demonstrate that a driver acted negligently, and they can take steps to recover financial compensation that will address their injuries and other damages they have suffered. By taking the proper steps to recover compensation, an injury victim can ensure that they will have the financial resources they need to make a full recovery.