Drowsy driving is a constant issue on the road, especially during the winter months, leading people to get into accidents that might otherwise have been avoided. Here are seven dangers commonly associated with drowsy driving:
- Worse judgment
- People who engage in drowsy driving tend to have demonstrably worse judgment than people who are awake and alert. This can cause them to misjudge things like how much space they need to brake, or how fast they should be going.
- Worse control of the vehicle
- Fatigued drivers also tend to have a much harder time controlling their vehicles compared to when they are not exhausted. The more tired they are, the harder it is for them to steer, maneuver and brake to avoid a potential accident.
- Slowed reflexes
- Exhaustion also has a negative impact on people’s reaction times, impairing their ability to react quickly to circumstances on the road. This means a drowsy driver may not be able to react in time to avoid an accident, when they might have if they were well-rested.
- Increased distractibility
- In addition to everything else, drowsy driving can cause people to be more distracted while driving. This makes it more likely their attention will be stolen by their cell phone, food, drink, or other distractions in the vehicle, resulting in potential accidents.
- Increased aggression
- It should come as no surprise that drowsy driving tends to make people more irritable, with exhausted people tending to be more aggressive. This makes it more likely they will engage in risky driving behaviors like speeding, tailgating, or cutting off other drivers, increasing the chances of an accident.
- Danger of micro-sleep
- When people are tired, they are at risk of nodding off, which is what is more formally known as “micro-sleep.” If people are effectively losing consciousness, even for a few seconds at a time, they can make the chances of an accident much more likely.
- Risk of falling asleep
- Of course, it is possible that someone may simply fall asleep behind the wheel entirely, losing all control of the vehicle. At that point, an accident becomes almost inevitable.
If you or someone you know has been in an accident that was the result of someone else’s negligence, contact the New York personal injury lawyers at the Katter Law Firm. We will help you protect your rights and get the compensation you deserve. To schedule a consultation, contact us at 212-809-4293, or visit our contact page.