How Common Is Falling Asleep While Driving?
Falling asleep while driving is very common but very dangerous. Learn the causes and tips on how to prevent drowsy driving.
Falling Asleep While Driving
It’s a common occurrence. You’re driving at night, and suddenly, you feel tired. Your eyes start to close, but then you’re jolted awake by the sound of traffic. Falling asleep while driving is extremely dangerous and a leading cause of fatal crashes.
Drowsy driving impairs your reaction time and awareness, significantly increasing the risk of collisions. It’s crucial to recognize early signs of fatigue and take breaks, as even brief moments of nodding off can have severe consequences on the road.
If you were in an accident with a drowsy driver, you may be eligible for financial compensation. Sycamore Accident Lawyers is a Riverside personal injury law firm with a 99% success rate, and millions recovered for clients. Call our personal injury lawyer today for a free consultation.
Drowsy Driving Statistics
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), drowsy driving causes around 100,000 motor vehicle crashes per year, resulting in 40,000 injuries and 1,500 deaths. Not getting enough sleep or interrupted sleep affects your driving ability in terms of coordination, memory, and reaction time.
The NHTSA reports that three factors result in the most drowsy driving crashes:
- Occur most frequently between midnight and 6 a.m. or late afternoon.
- Involve a single driver.
- Occur on rural roads and highways.
Who Is Most At Risk?
Those who are most at risk of drowsy driving are:
- Young drivers
- Professional drivers, such as commercial drivers
- Shift workers
- People with untreated sleep disorders
- Drivers who take medications that cause drowsiness
What Makes Drowsy Driving So Dangerous?
Drowsy driving exponentially increases the risk of a car accident. When drivers doze off, even for a few seconds, they may veer off the road or collide with another vehicle. The greater the vehicle speed, the higher the risk of injury or death.
Many drivers who doze off on the road are “microsleeping,” when the human brain briefly shuts down for several seconds, even though the person may appear awake. During microsleep, the brain stops processing information, making it extremely dangerous for drivers as they lose awareness and control of the vehicle without realizing it.
Research shows that drowsy driving is just as dangerous as drunk driving. Staying awake for 24 hours impairs your performance, similar to having a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.10%, which exceeds California’s legal limit of 0.08% for drivers.
These are the warning signs of drowsy driving to watch out for:
- Heavy eyelids
- Frequent blinking
- Yawning
- Drooping head
- Drifting in and out of lanes
- Missing exits or turns while driving
- Poor recall of the last few miles driven
- Tailgating
- Restlessness or irritability
- Daydreaming
If any of the above actions happen to you, pull over immediately before you fall asleep.
Causes of Drowsy Driving
Several contributing factors can lead to drowsy driving:
Sleep Deprivation
Not sleeping enough over days, weeks, or even months can cause sleep deprivation, which can significantly contribute to drowsy driving accidents. While the amount of sleep needed depends on age and other factors, the recommended amount for most adults is seven to nine hours.
Sleep Disorders
A sleep disorder is a condition that frequently impacts your ability to get enough quality sleep, resulting in daytime fatigue and other symptoms. Common sleep problems include insomnia, obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), and narcolepsy. According to one study, approximately 39 million adults in the U.S. have OSA.
Alcohol
Drinking alcohol can cause sleepiness due to its sedative effects. The combination of fatigue and alcohol is especially deadly because it significantly impairs cognitive function, reaction time, and motor coordination, increasing the risk of impaired driving accidents.
Medications
Certain prescription and over-the-counter medications can cause drowsiness and increase the risk of drowsy driving. These medications have warning labels that advise against operating heavy machinery, including driving.
- Sleeping pills
- Some antidepressants
- Cold medications
- Some allergy medications
- Tranquilizers
- Muscle relaxants
Time of Day
Driving during peak sleepiness periods can increase your risk of drowsy driving. Motor vehicle accidents from drowsy driving occur typically between midnight and six a.m. or in the mid-afternoon. This is when our bodies’ circadian rhythms naturally promote sleepiness, making it more difficult to stay alert.
Tips for Avoiding Drowsiness
- Get a good night’s sleep: According to the National Sleep Foundation, most adults should get seven to eight hours of healthy sleep per night.
- Long distances: If you plan on driving long distances, schedule breaks every 100 miles (approximately every two hours)
- Avoid drowsy driving times: Avoid driving between 1-4 p.m. and 2-6 a.m.
- Avoid certain medications: Sleep medicine, cold medicine, and antidepressants can cause drowsiness.
- Avoid alcohol: Alcohol is a sedative and should not be consumed at all if driving.
- Travel with a passenger: Driving alone can increase your odds of a crash.
Speak to a Personal Injury Lawyer If You Were In An Accident
Given the frequency of drowsy driving-related accidents, many people are injured each year due to the negligence of drowsy drivers. If you’ve been injured in such an accident, it’s important to seek immediate legal representation.
The personal injury attorneys at Sycamore Accident Lawyers can help you recover financial compensation for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages.
Talk to our legal team today to explore your options and pursue the compensation you deserve.