The Dangers of Drowsy Driving- How Fatigue Impairs Reaction Time Like Alcohol

Driving while drowsy presents similar risks to driving under the influence of alcohol. Without even one night’s proper sleep, a driver’s performance behind the wheel degrades significantly. For example, a night’s rest of only four hours can impair a driver’s abilities as much as having a blood alcohol content of .08%. Being aware of the risks is smart for anyone who travels for work, leisure, or family needs. An experienced Montgomery County car accident attorney can provide you with guidance and help if you have been injured due to the actions of a drowsy driver. 

What Does It Mean To Be a Drowsy Driver?

When a driver operates their vehicle while sleep-deprived, leading to significant fatigue, that is drowsy driving. There are countless reasons why a driver may be drowsy, such as working overtime or sleep disorders like sleep apnea. The reaction time, level of attention, and overall decision-making abilities of a fatigued driver are severely impaired. 

What Drivers Are at Greatest Risk of Being Drowsy Behind the Wheel?

As mentioned a moment ago, any driver is at risk of being a drowsy driver on any given day. However, different types of people are more susceptible to operating their vehicle on less than a full night’s sleep. 

Drivers — delivery, truck, and commercial — are especially at risk of drowsy driving. They operate vehicles for a living and often work irregular hours. While most people have the luxury of sleeping at night and working during the day, professional drivers may have their work and sleep hours reversed compared to other people they share the road with. 

Philadelphia is home to many individuals who work in shift-based jobs. Service, health care, and industrial industries are all based on shift work, for example. These are also positions that require a great amount of concentration while on the click. Couple that with the possibility of working a night shift or irregular hours, and there is a significant potential for drowsy driving. 

Other possible scenarios include a parent raising an infant who eats every few hours (including the middle of the night), an older driver with an undiagnosed sleep disorder, and a young professional working late into the night to meet deadlines. While not falling into a specific demographic or subgroup, these are drivers who are just as likely to engage in drowsy driving as any other group. 

Comparing Drowsy Driving to Drunk Driving

Television shows, movies, and the evening news frequently include stories regarding the adverse impacts of drunk driving. Thousands of people around the country are killed each year due to the decisions of certain drivers to operate their vehicles under the influence of alcohol. 

Driving while intoxicated is illegal in Pennsylvania, whereas drowsy driving is something that many people do every day of the week. Drowsy driving is not only socially acceptable but also necessary in many cases, which is a frightening proposition. Car accident victims are severely injured every day due to drivers operating vehicles with little to no sleep. 

While drowsy driving does not compare to driving under the influence in terms of social perception, its risks are just as impactful. Serious accidents that lead to injury and even death are not uncommon. Below are a handful of ways that it is akin to driving not sober:

• The focus of a drowsy driver is significantly reduced compared to that of a well-rested driver. They can take their eyes off the road for an instant and lose concentration. That’s all it takes to swerve into a neighboring lane or even the cars coming the opposite direction.
• Small periods of sleep while behind the wheel can occur when a driver is overly fatigued. This is especially common in highway driving, where a driver can sleep for seconds at a time, only to find themselves off the paved highway or road. 
• So much of a driver’s ability depends on their propensity to make good decisions when behind the wheel. Risky driving, such as trying to squeeze into a slight break in traffic for a turn or entering an intersection on a full red light, is just one example of how drowsy drivers make questionable judgments. 
• From a defensive position, drivers must be able to avoid oncoming vehicles and anticipate the missteps of the drivers around them. Drowsy drivers, like drunk drivers, have a reduced capacity to anticipate and avoid hazards. Even being a second too slow in distinguishing and avoiding one can be catastrophic. 

Anthony C. Gagliano, III, Esquire, P.C. — An Advocate for Injured Philadelphians 

When fatigue and drowsiness play a role in a car accident where you were injured, do not sit idly by. Instead, be proactive and contact a knowledgeable Montgomery County car accident attorney. 

An at-fault driver’s insurance company will almost surely attempt to downplay the role that drowsy driving played in your accident. Plus, there is no field sobriety test equivalent for drowsy driving. That leaves you anywhere but good. The insurance companies are not there to be your friend. 

An experienced car accident attorney, Anthony C. Gagliano, III, Esquire, P.C., puts clients first. When our team of legal professionals serves you in a legal matter, you can trust that we take that responsibility seriously. 

Drowsy driving may not garner the attention that drunk driving does, but it can be just as impactful. Contact our office today for a free consultation.