You may adhere to the rules of not drinking and driving; however, did you know that drowsy driving has the potential to be just as dangerous to yourself and others on the road?
Being drowsy doesn’t just mean that you need to get more sleep. It can impact your body and mind in several ways, making you a serious threat on the road.
How does being drowsy impact drivers?
If you get behind the wheel sleepy, you have already made a huge misstep. Even if you are only a little tired, it means your attention, coordination and reaction time have been reduced significantly.
As you drive, being drowsy can impact your driving behaviors too. For example, it may cause you to:
- Weave back and forth
- Be unable to maintain a consistent speed
- Travel too closely to other vehicles
- Be unable to react to obstacles in your path
- Drift off the road or out of your lane
Each of these issues can increase the likelihood that you will cause or be involved in an accident and cause serious injuries to yourself or someone else.
Drowsy vs. drunk driving
While drowsy and drunk driving isn’t the same, there are some similarities. For example, they are both extremely dangerous and impact your ability to stay alert and focused on the road, which increases the possibility of an accident.
It’s also important to note that just like alcohol (the more you drink, the more impaired you are), the same applies to being fatigued. The less sleep you have gotten, the harder it will be for you to stay focused on the road and avoid an accident.
Protecting yourself on the road
It’s always best to avoid driving if you are drowsy. If you are involved in an accident with a drowsy driver, it may be possible for you to recover compensation for your injuries and losses. Knowing your rights is important.
