We all know driving distracted can be dangerous for yourself as well as other people on the roads. Drowsy driving is one of the ways that we can distract ourselves on the roads and you may be surprised to know that driving while tired can be just as deadly as drinking and driving!
If you’ve been awake for 18 straight hours, you will have the same level of impairment that you would if your blood-alcohol content was at .05%. If you have been awake for more than 24 hours, your driving is impaired the same way as if your blood-alcohol content was .10%. This means that if you’ve had a terrible night of sleep or you’ve been up for more than 24 hours, you could be seriously impaired.
Why is Sleep Deprived Driving so Dangerous?
Driving while tired can put you at increased risk for getting involved in an auto accident. If you are sleep deprived, drowsy or fatigued and you decide to take the wheel you could be putting yourself at risk.
A Driver Has Their Reaction Time Significantly Slowed
Any type of sleep deprivation can make you drowsy and you will feel a difference in reaction time especially in your wrists and ankles. This can make it difficult for you to react at the same speed you would normally be able to.
It Could Send Your Brain Completely to Sleep
Micro sleep episodes are common when you’ve been up for many hours. These micro-naps can sometimes last a few seconds and they can even happen with your eyes open. Your brain will try to find a way to get some rest even if it may mean you close your eyes or lose sight of the road for a few seconds. This could put you at a major risk for an accident.
Your Senses Are Dulled
Sleep deprivation also dulls your senses and this could mean that you would respond to stimulus in the same way. A honking horn or even the lights of another vehicle will not prompt the same reaction time from your brain and this prevents a physical response as well.
If you are considering getting behind the wheel and you’ve had a terrible night sleep, opt to avoid sleep deprived driving instead.
This post was written by Wendy Doyle-Palumbo. Wendy is a New Port Richey Car Accident Lawyer at Wendy Doyle-Palumbo, Esq. Wendy has over 25 years of experience practicing law and has won several cases in helping those get the compensation that they deserve!
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