It’s often known that drunk driving leads to a high number of auto accidents. The reason for the high number of auto accidents caused by alcohol is that alcohol is a depressant, which leads to impaired judgment, vision, motor control and memory. Studies have shown that over a quarter of all auto accidentsare caused by drunk drivers.
Many drivers believe they are practicing safe driving because they drink responsibly and have designated drivers. However, many people don’t realize that drowsiness can be just as bad as drunk driving, and much more frequent. Here’s what you should understand:
How does drowsiness affect your driving skills?
Drowsy driving happens when someone becomes tired behind the wheel. As the driver becomes tired, they may struggle to focus on the road, judge the distance between cars and react to obstacles. Some drowsy drivers have been known to fall asleep behind the wheel and lose full control of their vehicles.
Drowsy driving can affect anyone. People who work night jobs or long hours are very likely to experience drowsiness while driving. People who have driven without any breaks can also suffer from drowsiness. Some medications and medical conditions can also lead people to feel drowsiness while driving.
It’s important to get the right amount of sleep the body requires. Skipping a few hours of sleep or changing a sleeping schedule can also cause people to feel sudden shifts in tiredness while driving.
It’s often hard to judge whether drowsy driving is more common and as dangerous as drunk driving.
Victims of auto accidents should be aware that they can seek compensation for their injuries and losses. If you or someone you know is a victim of an auto accident, then it may help to know your legal options.