Drowsy Driving Is Just as Dangerous as Drunk Driving

It’s late, and you just want to get home. Out of the darkness, you see another car on the road, swerving, not going the speed limit, and driving like they’re drunk. However, there’s a good chance they’re not intoxicated—they’re tired.

Drowsy driving, or driving while tired, might seem better than driving drunk, but studies show that people who drive while they’re tired are just as dangerous as someone driving under the influence. If you were hurt in a crash with someone who was falling asleep at the wheel, you shouldn’t have to pay your own medical bills, lose out on income, or spend the rest of your life paying for someone else’s mistake.

Keep reading to learn more about drowsy driving and how to fight for the financial compensation you deserve after a crash.

Drowsy Driving Is More Common Than You Might Think

The statistics surrounding drowsy driving are staggering. According to the US News & World Report:

• 33% of drivers admit to driving drowsy within the last month
• 20% of fatal crashes likely involve drowsy driving
• Missing just 1-2 hours of sleep can double the risk of a car accident
• Missing 2-3 hours of sleep raises the risk of a crash by 400%
• Drivers who have slept less than four hours are 1,150% more likely to be involved in an auto accident.

Robert Sinclair Jr., manager of media relations for AAA Northeast states says, “Not getting enough sleep is extremely dangerous for drivers… Our new research shows that getting less than five hours sleep is the same as driving drunk.”

Research also shows that drivers who only slept four to five hours have the same crash rate as those whose Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) is at or above the legal limit.

Tell-Tale Signs of Drowsy Driving

It’s simple: sleepy drivers shouldn’t get behind the wheel. The risks are too high, and the potential consequences are too great.

If another driver shows any of the following warning signs, it’s a sign they aren’t in a state to drive, or that sleepiness may have played a part in your vehicle accident.

• Yawning and eye rubbing
• Slowed reaction time
• Inattention that leads to missing exits or turns
• Drifting in and out of lanes
• Driving too close to other cars or objects
• Asking others to constantly repeat themselves
• Driving well above or below the speed limit
• Running over the rumble strip

A lack of sleep isn’t just a poor health choice—sleep deprivation can also be deadly.

RELATED: Five Ways a Car Accident Lawyer Can Support Injured People After a Crash

Three Other Factors Can Increase Risk for Drowsy Driving Accidents

Car crashes are rarely simple. There can be any number of factors that impact a crash, its causes, and your injuries.

• Some common medications’ side effects include drowsiness, especially combined with alcohol or other street drugs.
• Drinking while drowsy can increase impairment. A UCLA Sleep Disorders Center study found that for a person who has only slept four hours, just one beer will have the same effect as six beers would have on someone who is well-rested.
• It’s not unusual for semi-truck drivers or other professional drivers to be pressured by their companies to drive more than is safe or healthy, which can lead to accidents.

You deserve to understand everything that happened to you. You also deserve to hold wrongdoers accountable, including trucking companies with unhealthy policies, and establishments that over-serve alcohol.

If you’re ready to get a clear picture of every factor in your vehicle crash, don’t wait to reach out to our team of injury attorneys. We’ve uncovered multiple instances of wrongdoing before, and are ready to get to work for you.

Andy Citrin Has the Experience You Need After a Crash With a Drowsy Driver

We’re proud of our winning reputation, but we’re even more proud to help injured people like you get their lives back on track after a drowsy driving crash.

We work hard to build a strong case on your behalf, establishing an accurate timeline, analyzing the forensics of the accident, and interviewing eyewitnesses and expert witnesses. This helps us determine the cause of almost any crash and use that information to hold the responsible party accountable for their negligence.

In addition to our skills inside and out of the courtroom, our Mobile-based auto accident attorneys and staff members treat every client with respect, empathy, and kindness.

If you’d like to receive a free consultation, please reach out today by calling 251-888-8888 or by completing this contact form. During our initial discussion, we’ll listen to your story, review the details of your claim, and provide advice on how to proceed with your case.

We look forward to speaking with you!

References

Trop, J. (2016, Dec. 15). Drowsy driving: Worse than drunk driving? US News & World Report.

The content provided here is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal advice on any subject.