Most people know how dangerous drunk drivers can be on the road. But what about drowsy driving? While driving tired might not seem like a big deal, drowsy drivers can be just as dangerous as drivers who are under the influence of alcohol. And just like drunk driving accidents, car accidents caused by drowsy drivers can result in serious injuries, costly medical bills, lost wages, and long-term pain and suffering.
How is drowsy driving the same as drunk driving?
Being overly tired and being under the influence of alcohol both cause people to have delayed reaction times, which can be deadly when drivers are traveling at high speed on highways or crowded city streets.
For instance, a scientific study cited by the Sleep Foundation noted the similarities between drivers who have been awake for long periods of time and drivers who were under the influence of alcohol. Here are the findings:
- Being awake for 18 hours and getting behind the wheel of a car is the same as driving with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.05 percent.
- Being awake for 20 hours and getting behind the wheel of a car is the same as driving with a BAC of 0.08 percent, which is the legal limit for drunk driving in most states.
- Being awake for 24 hours and getting behind the wheel of a car is the same as driving with a BAC of 0.1 percent.
Research shows that even moderate sleep deprivation drastically increases the likelihood of a crash. According to the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety:
- Drivers with 6 to 7 hours of sleep the night before are twice as likely to cause a crash as those with 8 hours.
- Drivers with only 5 hours of sleep are four to five times more likely to cause a collision.
What makes driving while tired so dangerous?
While slower reaction times are one of the biggest dangers, there are many other reasons why tired drivers are hazardous, including:
Drifting into other lanes or oncoming traffic
Fatigued drivers often struggle to stay in their lane, leading to dangerous side-swipe accidents or catastrophic head-on collisions. These crashes are especially deadly on highways and rural roads with higher speeds, making it harder for drivers to regain control once they veer off course.
Failing to stop in time
Exhausted drivers may not notice traffic slowing down or a red light ahead, resulting in rear-end collisions or dangerous intersection crashes. A tired driver’s delayed reaction can mean failing to brake altogether or slamming on the brakes too late, causing multi-vehicle pileups.
Closing their eyes while driving
Drowsy drivers can experience "microsleeps"—brief moments where they completely lose awareness because their eyes close involuntarily. At highway speeds, even a second or two of lost focus can result in traveling hundreds of feet blind, leading to devastating crashes.
Making poor decisions behind the wheel
Sleep deprivation impacts judgment, causing drivers to make risky moves like speeding, tailgating, or misjudging traffic gaps. These split-second mistakes can have life-altering or even fatal consequences for everyone involved.
Reduced awareness of road conditions
Tired drivers are less likely to notice changes in road conditions, such as slippery surfaces, debris, or sudden stops by other vehicles. This lack of awareness can result in crashes that could have been avoided with proper attention.
Overconfidence in their abilities
Some drivers underestimate how fatigue impacts their driving and continue on the road despite feeling tired. This overconfidence leads to risky behaviors and increases the chance of a serious accident.
How common are drowsy driving accidents?
Each year, drowsy drivers cause an estimated 328,000 car accidents nationwide, according to the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety. That’s one accident every minute and 36 seconds caused by a tired driver.
Additionally, these accidents result in more than 109,000 injuries and 6,400 fatalities on average each year. However, it's important to note that those numbers could be even higher because many car crashes don’t accurately list drowsy driving as the primary cause of the collision, according to the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety.
Here’s another startling statistic – 1 out of 25 drivers admitted to falling asleep at the wheel at least once in the past month, according to a study by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) cited by the National Safety Council (NSC).
Indiana isn’t immune to crashes by tired drivers, either. For instance, in 2022, tired drivers or drivers who fell asleep at the wheel caused 1,807 car accidents in Indiana, resulting in 478 injuries and four fatalities, according to accident data from the Indiana University Public Policy Institute.
Why should I hire an Indianapolis car accident lawyer?
If you’ve been injured in an accident caused by a tired driver in Indiana, it’s important to consult an experienced car accident attorney right away. A skilled lawyer can investigate the crash, gather evidence to prove the driver’s fatigue, and hold them accountable. With the right legal representation, you can pursue the full compensation you deserve and protect your rights after a devastating accident.
At Glaser & Ebbs, our dedicated legal team knows how to hold negligent drivers accountable and fight for the compensation our clients deserve. For example, our case results include a $16 million settlement in a car accident case.
Get the Indiana law firm with 100 years of trial experience. Get Glaser & Ebbs. Contact us and schedule a free consultation with an Indianapolis car accident attorney focused on winning. We have offices conveniently located throughout Indiana, including offices in Indianapolis and Fort Wayne. We also work on a contingency fee basis. That means you pay nothing unless we secure a financial settlement or verdict for you.
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