The Dangers of Driving While Drowsy

Driving while drowsy is a serious and often overlooked danger on the road. It poses significant risks not only to the drowsy driver but also road users. For legal help in accidents involving a drowsy driver, our car accident lawyer in Albuquerque is ready to help. Contact us today.

Why Drowsy Driving is Dangerous

Driving while drowsy impairs several critical driving functions, including:

Reaction Times

Fatigue significantly slows reaction times, making it harder to respond to sudden changes in traffic conditions, such as a pedestrian stepping onto the road or a vehicle stopping abruptly.

Vigilance

Drowsy drivers are less attentive to their surroundings, increasing the likelihood of missing important signals like traffic lights, stop signs, or other vehicles.

Decision-Making

Fatigue affects cognitive functions, leading to poor judgment and decision-making skills. This can result in risky driving behaviors, such as tailgating or improper lane changes.

Staying Awake

Drowsy drivers may experience microsleeps, which are brief, involuntary episodes of sleep that last only a few seconds. During a microsleep, a driver can lose control of the vehicle, leading to catastrophic accidents.

Common Causes of Drowsy Driving

Drowsy driving occurs when a driver operates a vehicle while feeling sleepy or fatigued. This condition can be caused by various factors, including:

• Lack of Sleep: Not getting enough sleep is the most common cause of drowsy driving. The National Sleep Foundation recommends 7-9 hours of sleep per night for adults, but many people fall short of this.

• Sleep Disorders: Conditions such as sleep apnea, insomnia, and narcolepsy can lead to chronic fatigue and increase the risk of drowsy driving.

• Medications: Certain medications, both prescription and over-the-counter, can cause drowsiness as a side effect.

• Shift Work: People who work night shifts or irregular hours are more likely to experience sleep deprivation and fatigue.

• Long Drives: Extended periods of driving without breaks can lead to fatigue, especially during late-night or early-morning hours.

Drowsy Driving Statistics

According to a study conducted by the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety, from 2017 to 2021, an estimated 17.6% of all fatal crashes involved a drowsy driver. Approximately 29,834 people were killed in crashes involving drowsy drivers.

Demographic Insights

The study revealed that the most fatal crashes involving drowsy driving involved drivers between 21 and 34. Additionally, men were significantly more likely than women to be involved in these incidents. About two-thirds of drowsy drivers had not been drinking alcohol, though drowsiness was notably more prevalent among those who had consumed alcohol.

Drowsy Driving Accident Liability

Liability for a drowsy driving accident typically falls on the driver who was fatigued and caused the collision. This is based on the legal principle of negligence, where the driver is deemed to have breached their duty of care to operate the vehicle safely. Evidence of drowsy driving, such as erratic driving behavior, lack of skid marks indicating braking, or the driver’s admission of fatigue, can establish this negligence. In some cases, if an employer requires excessively long hours that contribute to driver fatigue, they may also share liability. Establishing clear evidence and understanding state-specific laws, such as those in New Mexico which follow comparative negligence rules, are crucial for determining fault and pursuing compensation. Our Albuquerque injury attorneys can establish the other party’s liability.