Drowsy driving presents a danger that can result in accidents. This situation arises when a driver operates a vehicle while fatigued due to insufficient sleep, a sleep disorder, or medication. Drowsy drivers may either fall asleep or find it difficult to maintain their focus on the road. They might struggle to keep their eyes open or concentrate, increasing the likelihood of an accident. Driving while fatigued may be considered negligent, and a driver may be liable for injuries caused by driving while fatigued.
If you’ve been involved in a car crash caused by a drowsy driver, contact Chute, O’Malley, Knobloch, and Turcy, LLC at (312) 775-0042.
Understanding the Risks of Drowsy Driving and Its Impact on Road Safety
What are the leading causes of unsafe driving? One of them is drowsy driving. Self-reported sleepiness increases the risk of a crash by 2.5 times. In 2021, 684 fatalities were linked to drowsy drivers. According to statistics, unlike drunk driving, many adults in the U.S. underestimate the risks of drowsy driving. Only half would change plans to avoid it, while over 80% would do so to avoid driving after drinking. Additionally, just 40% seek alternatives when tired, compared to 70% when they’ve been drinking. About 50% of adults would avoid driving when sleep-deprived, but 90% do so after drinking.
Driving while drowsy increases the likelihood of accidents because it impairs judgment, slows reaction speeds, and can result in brief periods of sleep. These contribute to dangerous driving behaviors, such as swerving out of lanes, ignoring traffic signals, and an inability to recognize dangers promptly. Drowsy driving can lead to severe accidents, car accident injuries, and even loss of life.
Dangers of Drowsy Driving
Drowsy driving presents hazards for the driver and others on the road.
Impaired Judgment
Fatigue can impair a driver’s judgment, making it difficult to make wise decisions while on the road. When drowsy, drivers may find it hard to accurately evaluate situations, misjudge distances, or fail to recognize the dangers of certain maneuvers. Such lapses can result in risky actions, increasing the likelihood of accidents. Several studies have indicated that the impact of sleep deprivation on driving is comparable to that of alcohol consumption. For instance, a person who has been awake for 24 hours essentially has a level of impairment akin to a driver with a blood alcohol concentration of 0.10%, which exceeds the legal limit of 0.08% in the United States.
Slower Reaction Times
Reduced reaction time often results from fatigue and drowsiness. A tired driver struggles to react quickly to unexpected occurrences or shifts in their surroundings. This sluggishness can have serious implications, particularly during emergencies, raising the risk of accidents and collisions on the road.
Microsleeps
Microsleeps refer to short, involuntary moments of unconsciousness that can range from just a split second to multiple seconds. A driver may seem alert during these episodes but will not be responsive to their environment. During a microsleep, the individual is completely unaware of what’s happening around them. These brief lapses in attention can pose serious risks while driving, as just a moment of distraction might result in severe accidents on the road.
How Drowsy Driving Leads to Accidents
Driving while drowsy can cause fatigue-related accidents in several ways:
- Drifting out of lanes: When drivers are fatigued, their motor skills and concentration diminish, making it easier to drift out of their lanes. This can lead to sideswipe or head-on crashes with other vehicles.
- Rear-End Crashes: Drowsy or distracted drivers might fail to notice traffic that is slowing down or has come to a stop, raising the likelihood of rear-end collisions.
- Delayed Hazard Response: Tired drivers have slower reaction times, which hampers their ability to quickly respond to unexpected obstacles or dangers on the road, often leading to accidents.
Can Drowsy Driving Be Considered Negligence?
Negligence is a legal concept that refers to the obligation to act with care toward others. This duty entails ensuring that actions do not endanger others. A driver who is guilty of drowsy driving negligence may be liable to compensate others for resulting injuries. A car accident lawyer‘s job is to demonstrate that another driver acted negligently while operating their vehicle. This requires establishing the four key components of negligence:
Duty of Care
Drivers are obligated to operate their vehicles in a safe and responsible manner, taking care not to endanger others. This responsibility also encompasses avoiding impaired driving.
Breach of Duty
Fatigue, such as feeling drowsy, hampers a driver’s ability to respond swiftly, maintain safe distance from other vehicles, or prevent accidents. As a result, a driver who is excessively tired and continues to drive has breached the duty of care.
Causation
You need to demonstrate that drowsy driving was the cause of the accident, rather than any other reason.
Damages
If drowsiness causes an accident resulting in injuries, you must have incurred damages such as medical costs, lost income, and physical and emotional pain for the driver to be held liable.
How an Attorney Can Help You If Fatigue Led to a Car Accident
Establishing that a driver was drowsy can be quite challenging. As the plaintiff in a personal injury case, it’s your responsibility to demonstrate that the other driver was fatigued, which isn’t always easy to prove. Although there is no requirement on when to hire a car accident lawyer, partnering with one can offer advantages. Motor vehicle accident lawyers have methods for gathering sufficient evidence, often employing expert testimonies, accident recreations, and an understanding of what to search for in police reports.
If you’ve suffered injuries or damage to your vehicle in an accident involving a drowsy driver, contact us at Chute, O’Malley, Knobloch, and Turcy, LLC at (312) 775-0042. We can assist with the investigation and help negotiate with insurance companies and defense attorneys to secure the best possible settlement for you.
