Drowsy or fatigued driving is a shockingly common behavior. Many people do not get enough rest and could endanger themselves and others because of their sleep deprivation. People often have to drive to work or to take care of their families despite staying up far later than they should or otherwise getting inadequate rest.
The decision to operate a motor vehicle while noticeably exhausted comes with a variety of risks. Drowsy drivers can cause crashes that have life-altering consequences for them or anyone else they encounter in traffic. While the law does not explicitly forbid driving while tired, it is a dangerous habit.
How common is drowsy driving?
Determining how many people get behind the wheel when their lack of sleep impairs their ability is almost impossible to quantify. However, the National Safety Council (NSC) has found that a shocking number of people acknowledge that they have fallen asleep at the wheel.
According to NSC research, as many as one in 25 motorists admit to falling asleep at least once while driving in the last 30 days. In other words, 4% of drivers admit to driving while so tired that they can’t even stay awake. The number of people driving while significantly fatigued is probably much higher than that.
Why is drowsy driving dangerous?
Clearly, losing consciousness while driving is incredibly dangerous. Even microsleep incidents that only last for a few seconds can result in major collisions because people lose control of their vehicles. However, falling asleep isn’t the only risk associated with drowsy driving.
Those who drive after going too long without sleep display diminished driving capabilities. They have a hard time staying focused on safe driving. They may struggle to make the quick decisions necessary to respond to changing traffic conditions.
They may also make the wrong decision in the moment because they are too tired to think clearly. While those affected by drowsy drivers may not be able to prove that they were too tired to drive safely, they may be able to prove that they did something unsafe at the wheel.
Pursuing compensation after a motor vehicle collision is one way to hold people responsible for making unsafe choices about when and how they drive. Insurance claims and lawsuits can both lead to compensation for those harmed by people who were too tired to drive safely and caused harm as a result of their state.
