Is drowsy driving as dangerous as drunk driving?

Most Connecticut residents are familiar with the dangers of drunk driving, and there are frequent statewide and national campaigns to alert people to how risky it can be.  However, drowsy driving is another problem that has caused many motor vehicle collisions, and is less well known. Understanding what drowsy driving is and what you can do to prevent it can help to save not only your life but the lives of others on the roadways that you travel.

What is drowsy driving?

Drowsy driving happens when a person is tired and decides to get behind the wheel of a vehicle. Unfortunately, drowsy driving resulted in more than 91,000 motor vehicle collisions in 2017, causing 795 fatalities and 50,000 injuries.

The statistics regarding drowsy driving are alarming. At least 50% of American adults have admitted to driving drowsy. Amazingly, 20% of those interviewed said that they have fallen asleep behind the wheel. It only takes a couple of seconds for a driver who dozes off to cause a car accident.

Comparing drunk driving and drowsy driving

Fatigue naturally reduces a driver’s coordination and judgment. Drowsy drivers tend to weave back and forth between lanes and do not maintain a consistent speed or appropriate stopping distance from other vehicles. In addition, they tend to have slower reaction times for avoiding roadway obstacles. A lack of sleep for 24 hours can equate to an impairment of having a blood alcohol level of 0.1, which is above the Connecticut legal limit of 0.08.

While many people are aware of the risks of drunk driving, not many people recognize the fact that drowsy driving can be just as dangerous. If you or a loved one has been injured due to the negligence of a drowsy driver, a qualified attorney can help to obtain compensation for those injuries.