The Risks of Drowsy Driving

The reasons drunk driving is so dangerous are well understood. Since alcohol impairs judgment, affects coordination, and slows down reflexes, it’s very dangerous for someone to be behind the wheel if they’ve been drinking. The same can also be said for some other types of substances, like marijuana and prescription or over-the-counter medications. But people often forget that driving while tired can be just as dangerous for the same reasons as drunk or drugged driving. 

Many traffic safety experts have compared the effects of drowsy driving to those of driving under the influence of alcohol. One study found that the crash rate for drivers who had slept four to five hours is comparable to the risk of crashing associated with driving with a BAC at or slightly above the legal limit. The less sleep a driver has, the higher the risk of getting into a car accident while driving. 

How Common is Drowsy Driving?

It’s difficult to know exactly how common drowsy driving is. Unlike drunk driving, drowsy driving isn’t something that can be tested for by using something like a breathalyzer, which makes it difficult to measure the impact it has each year. The NHTSA reports that 693 deaths were caused by drowsy driving in 2022, but a 2024 study by AAA suggested that the actual number of fatalities could be ten times higher than that. 

Risk Factors for Drowsy Driving

In theory, any driver could potentially be at risk for drowsy driving. After all, we all have nights where we don’t get as much sleep as we should. But certain groups of drivers have a higher risk of driving while fatigued, such as those who have sleep disorders, people who work long shifts or at night, and people whose jobs involve significant amounts of driving. Teen drivers can also have an increased risk of drowsy driving because they often don’t get as much sleep as they need. 

Preventing Drowsy Driving

Dozing off for just a few seconds while behind the wheel is all it takes to cause a serious car accident. Beyond trying to get as much sleep as you can, drinking caffeine, and taking breaks when driving for long amounts of time, what else can drivers do to avoid drowsy driving? One of the best things they can do is know when it’s best for them to stop and get some rest:

• You’re blinking frequently and have heavy eyelids
• You have a hard time remembering the past few miles you’ve driven
• You have a difficult time focusing and missing exits or street signs
• You find yourself starting to drift out of your lane or hit a rumble strip

Contact a Michigan Car Accident Lawyer

If you’ve been injured in a car accident, don’t hesitate to contact a car accident lawyer as soon as possible. It’s important to talk to someone who knows the law and can fight for you to get the justice you deserve. Scott Goodwin Law is experienced in cases involving Michigan no-fault benefits and has helped many people just like you. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation where you can get answers to any questions you have about your case and learn more about your legal options.