The Dangers of Drowsy Driving
Driving while extremely tired or chronically sleep-deprived can cause:
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Slower reaction times
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Poor hazard awareness
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Shorter attention spans
These issues reduce driving performance and increase the risk of traffic accidents, as well as serious injuries resulting from crashes.
How Fatigue Affects Driving
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), staying awake for 24 hours affects driving as much as having a blood alcohol content of 0.10%—above the legal limit in any state. The National Motor Vehicle Crash Causation Survey (NMVCCS) reports that fatigued drivers are twice as likely to make mistakes such as:
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Panicking or freezing
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Over-compensating
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Losing directional control
How Common Is Driver Fatigue?
Driving while fatigued is more common than many realize. The National Sleep Foundation (NSF) found that:
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About half of American adults drive while drowsy at least once a year.
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Around 20% admit to falling asleep at the wheel.
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Young people, shift workers, commercial drivers, business travelers, and those with sleep disorders face a higher risk of drowsy driving.
Fatigue-Related Traffic Accidents
Sleepiness and fatigue contribute to 10–30% of motor vehicle crashes. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports over 100,000 fatigue-related crashes each year, causing roughly 1,550 fatalities and 71,000 injuries. The AAA Traffic Foundation estimates that drowsy driving contributes to 328,000 crashes annually, including 6,400 deaths and 109,000 injuries.
Crashes caused by driver fatigue are often severe. Falling asleep at the wheel prevents drivers from braking or swerving, making these accidents 50% more likely to result in serious injury or death.
Need Legal Advice on Drowsy Driving?
If you have been involved in an accident related to drowsy driving, contact an experienced legal professional to protect your rights. Reach out to Inman & Tourgee online or call (401) 823-9200 today.
