Every day, tired individuals get behind the wheel of their cars, unaware that they are too exhausted to drive. This is known as drowsy driving. The effects of drowsy driving are similar to those of drunk driving because fatigued drivers are less alert, less able to judge their surroundings, and more likely to crash than non-drowsy drivers
Every year, a frightening number of injuries and fatalities are caused by drivers who are too tired to pay attention on the road. According to the AAA Foundation, drowsy drivers were implicated in almost 17.6% of all fatal accidents between 2017 and 2021. Nearly 29,834 people lost their lives in accidents caused by fatigued motorists throughout the five-year research period.
Microsleeps are dangerous
Falling asleep behind the wheel is also known as a microsleep. This occurs when a person falls asleep for a few seconds, and it can cause the driver to go off the road or collide with another vehicle. Drivers who experience a microsleep while driving at a high speed are likely to cause serious injuries to themselves and others on the road.
What causes drowsiness in drivers?
There are several reasons why a person might be drowsy while driving. These include:
- Sleep deprivation or difficulty staying asleep at night. Lack of sleep is the main cause of daytime drowsiness, which can lead to microsleeps.
- Medication use. Certain prescription and over-the-counter medicines may cause a sedative effect that is difficult to overcome. Sleep aids, in particular, might cause persistent drowsiness after awakening.
- Alcohol can also have a sedating effect and can cause your reflexes to operate much slower than they would if you were sober.
Everyone experiences fatigue at some point, and refraining from driving at those times is very important. If you are injured by a drowsy driver, it is wise to seek legal assistance to help you navigate the claims and charges.