The Dangers of Driving While Drowsy

Drowsy driving is a hidden risk responsible for hundreds and potentially thousands of car crashes every year. Drivers who drive safely and take precautionary action might be sharing the road with others who do not take the appropriate measures. Reckless driving (be that on account of fatigue, distractions, speeding, or anything else) increases the risk of traffic accidents and endangers the life of all those on the highway.

There is a lot of attention on raising awareness about the dangers of driving under the influence of alcohol, but driving while drowsy may be just as dangerous, and more drivers do it. Learning about this can help you take action to prevent risk factors that may lead to your own crash.

What Is Drowsy Driving?

Drowsy driving may seem harmless, but it is actually a highly dangerous activity of which many people are not fully aware. This occurs when someone gets behind the wheel with little sleep (or less sleep than optimal).

Studies indicate that drivers who have six or seven hours of sleep a night may be twice as likely to get into an accident, while those with five hours of sleep or less or a further two are more likely to have an accident. If you had a tough night and did not get enough quality sleep, it is best to postpone a challenging drive if you can. Try looking for alternative means of transportation or ask a friend or family member to drive you to your destination.

What Are Risk Factors For Drowsy Driving?

Anything that interrupts your sleep or makes it more difficult to get enough rest can be a risk factor for drowsy driving. Some of the most common issues include:

• Lack of sleep
• Use of medication
• Busy work schedule
• Alcohol usage
• Unrealistic workplace demands
• Health issues
• Life changes
• Mental illness

What Are Signs of Drowsy Driving?

Some signs of drowsy driving to watch for include the following:

How Dangerous Is Drowsy Driving?

The CDC reports that around one out of 25 adult drivers report falling asleep behind the wheel each month. However, the scale of the drowsy driving crisis may be much larger than official statistics show. In 2017, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reported that drowsy driving was implicated in 795 deaths and 91,000 collisions resulting in 50,000 injuries.

However, some experts believe that the true number of fatalities can be in whole or partly attributed to drowsy driving. This would add up to about 6,000 people a year, which would account for about the fifth of all road deaths in the United States annually. If you’ve been in an accident with a drowsy driver, it’s important to speak with a Kaine Law car crash lawyer as soon as possible.

What Can I Do to Avoid Drowsy Driving?

Depending on your situation, the risk factors of drowsy driving may be easier or harder to alleviate. Getting enough sleep is critical to being safe on the road, as the risk of collision increases dramatically with every hour of sleep less you get.

If your work demands that you get on the road without proper rest, consider speaking with the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). Filing a complaint with your employer may put you in a better position to do your job.

Drowsy driving is a major problem on the roads, and you may have done it before without realizing the dangers. It’s vital to get enough rest before sitting behind the wheel because even the most skilled driver can get into a collision if they were too tired. The next time you get into the driver’s seat, give yourself enough rest so you can drive safely. You may also need to get legal help if your workplace is causing you to drive while drowsy.