Asleep At the Wheel: Drowsy Driving and Car Accidents

Getting behind the wheel of a vehicle while fatigued is a common occurrence, but that doesn’t make it safe. A study conducted by the AAA Foundation determined that a large percentage of Americans admit to driving while sleep-deprived. In fact, about one-third of respondents even admit to falling asleep behind the wheel. 

Although most people understand that drowsy driving isn’t a good idea, few realize just how dangerous this practice really is. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) estimates that nearly 100,000 vehicle crashes that are reported to law enforcement annually are directly caused by drowsiness. It’s important to understand the dangers of drowsy driving and know how to protect your rights if you are involved in an accident with a fatigued driver.

What is Drowsy Driving?

Drowsy or fatigued driving happens when an individual operates a motor vehicle while they are tired or sleepy. Many different factors can lead to someone feeling this way, such as not getting adequate sleep, having untreated sleep disorders, taking certain medications, or simply being behind the wheel for prolonged periods. 

Why is Drowsy Driving So Dangerous?

When a driver is too sleepy to drive, they create a major safety hazard that puts themselves and others in danger. Here are the most common reasons why drowsy driving is so dangerous:

1. Impaired Judgment

Few people equate drowsy driving with drunk driving. But studies show there are shocking similarities between the two. Specifically, a person who has been awake for 17 hours or more is comparable to having a blood alcohol content of 0.05%. After even longer periods without rest, a person’s level of impairment can reach levels equivalent to a BAC of 0.1%. This means a drowsy driver is more likely to make poor decisions while operating a vehicle, become irritable or aggressive, and miss important things like stoplights and other vehicles. 

2. Reduced Reaction Time

A lower reaction time is caused directly by fatigue and drowsiness. When a vehicle operator is tired, they can’t appropriately respond to sudden changes or events on the roadway. This reaction and response time delay can be critical, particularly in emergency situations where a driver needs to act quickly to avoid a collision. 

3. Possibility of Microsleeps

Microsleeps are involuntary, short episodes of unconsciousness. They can last anywhere from milliseconds to several seconds at a time. When a person experiences a microsleep while driving, they might believe they are awake, but they are not aware of their surroundings during that brief lapse. This period of inattention is long enough to cause a catastrophic crash. 

4. Higher Risk of Accidents

Driving while fatigued creates a significant risk of car or truck accidents. The combined impact of the above three factors means that drowsy drivers are unlikely to notice or react to hazards in enough time to avoid a crash. Because of this, fatigued driving is responsible for thousands of accidents and many tragic deaths each year. 

Is Fatigued Driving Considered Illegal in Mississippi?

If drowsy driving leads to an accident in Mississippi, it could be considered reckless driving. Police can cite a driver for various violations. If a fatigued driver causes an accident with injuries, the injured party can pursue damages through a personal injury case. 

Potential damages an injured party can collect include medical costs, lost wages, and pain and suffering. After an accident involving injuries, it’s important to seek immediate medical attention and preserve evidence to protect your rights. 

Ways to Prevent Drowsy Driving

Anyone can get fatigued while driving, so it’s vital to be proactive to keep yourself and others safe on the road. Here are a few tips to keep you attentive and alert behind the wheel:

• Get Plenty of Sleep — Make sure you are getting plenty of sleep each night. 
• Understand the Signs — Common signs of fatigue include frequent yawning, heavy eyelids, and difficulty focusing. 
• Schedule Regular Breaks — Make sure you stop every few hours for a break or even a short nap so you remain alert. 
• Avoid Other Substances — Alcohol or certain medications can intensify fatigue. Avoid drinking and driving, and speak with your pharmacist about the side effects of any meds. 
• Bring a Travel Buddy — If you’re going to travel a long distance, consider asking someone else to come along to share the driving or simply to keep you company. 

Even if you’re an alert and safe driver, there’s no way to predict the condition of others on the road. If you’re involved in an accident caused by a drowsy or fatigued driver, you have legal rights. You can learn more about these rights and what to do after a crash by contacting a Mississippi car accident attorney.