The United States is a nation full of sleep-deprived individuals. Every day, exhausted Texans get behind the wheel of their vehicles to take their children to school or head to work. In the afternoon, the route reverses, but the driver is still feeling the effects of getting little sleep.
Many people treat drowsy driving as a minor issue, but it’s more dangerous than you realize.
Impaired driving
Fatigue and alcohol cause driver impairment. Whether you’re tired or intoxicated, your reaction time slows, your judgment is impaired and you struggle to maintain focus. A study has shown that being awake for 17 straight hours produces the same level of impairment as having a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.05%. If you stay awake for a full 24 hours, your impairment is equivalent to a BAC of 0.10% which is well over the state limit of 0.08%.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) estimates that drowsy driving is responsible for 328,000 accidents each year, resulting in 109,000 injuries and 6,400 fatalities. However, these figures are widely believed to be underreported, and researchers estimate that the actual rate is 350% higher.
Texas has strict laws against drunk driving, along with tests to determine your BAC. However, there isn’t a simple test to measure fatigue, and the legalities surrounding drowsy driving are unclear. Falling asleep at the wheel can lead to charges of reckless driving or even vehicular manslaughter if the crash results in a fatality. Commercial truck drivers already have strict hours-of-service regulations to prevent drowsy driving and fatigue-related accidents.
While you’re able to recognize the signs of fatigue in yourself, it may not always be evident in the vehicles around you. Some indications that a driver is too tired to drive include:
- Drifting from their lane
- Speeding up and slowing down
- Missing traffic signs and exits
- Sudden braking
If you notice these signs, maintain a safe distance between you and the other vehicle. Pull over to a safe place and call 911.
If a drowsy driver has injured you, you will need compensation for your injuries and any damages. Speaking with a legal representative can help determine the value of your claim.