It’s not uncommon for drivers to feel sleepy behind the wheel, either because they’ve been driving for hours or simply because their bedtime is approaching. Unfortunately, many motorists do not realize that toughing it out when they’re drowsy is incredibly dangerous.
One might imagine that they are managing just fine despite being sleepy when, in reality, their attention, judgement and reflexes are significantly compromised. The temptation to push through and reach a destination can be strong. However, motorists are better off pulling over to rest before getting back into the driver’s seat.
The science behind drowsy driving
Regrettably, most motorists underestimate the dangers of drowsy driving, yet science likens it to driving under the influence of alcohol. Many drivers would be shocked to discover that if they’ve been awake for 20 hours, their driving abilities are compromised as much as having a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08% from alcohol consumption.
Coincidentally, driving with a BAC of 0.08% due to alcohol consumption can land a driver in DUI (driving under the influence) trouble. Whether a driver is significantly sleep-deprived or under the influence of alcohol, they may exhibit:
- Slowed reaction times
- Poor judgment of dangers on the road
- Decreased cognitive focus
Since driving is a task that requires constant attention, quick reflexes and sound judgment, these factors significantly increase the risk of accidents. Drowsy drivers may:
- Struggle to stay in their lane
- Miss exists
- Have trouble responding to unexpected road hazards
Despite the dangers, many drivers continue to push through their fatigue, believing they can manage just a bit longer. If more drivers pulled over and rested when they felt drowsy, fewer accidents would happen due to fatigued driving.
Even microsleeps, which are brief episodes of sleep that last only a few seconds, can have devastating consequences on the road. The scariest part is that microsleeps can occur without the driver even realizing it. During these moments, the driver is essentially blind to the road, and they could subconsciously cause an accident.
Accident survivors who have been injured because of drowsy driving may be overwhelmed by unexpected out-of-pocket medical expenses because an at-fault party tried to push through their fatigue. With appropriate legal guidance, they can learn ways in which they can advocate for themselves.