You see campaigns against drunk driving on television, on bus stop benches, and college campus flyers but not many people talk about the dangers of drowsy driving. So, which is worse, drunk driving or drowsy driving? It turns out they are equally as bad. In fact, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration estimates that over 100,000 crashes that occur yearly are a result of fatigued or drowsy driving.
Alcohol and Sleep
Studies show that going 24 hours without sleep can be equal to having a BAC level of .10—that’s .02 over the legal limit! Lack of sleep slows reaction time, and the body’s ability to process information. Not getting enough sleep can also affect your memory. Slowed reaction time and a decreased ability to process information can be a recipe for disaster while driving.
Too Drunk to Drive vs. Too Drowsy to Drive
Let’s compare the signs of too drunk to drive with the signs of someone who might be too drowsy to drive.
Too Drunk: Slurred speech, inability to balance and slowed reaction time. Someone too drunk to drive might also be unable to recall conversation topics you were just discussing.
Too Drowsy: Difficulty focusing, heavy eyelids, drifting in your lane, slower reaction time, tailgating or hitting the shoulder. In addition to those symptoms, someone who is too drowsy to drive might not remember the last few miles they’ve driven.
Drowsy driving can be just as dangerous as drunk driving but can lead to catastrophic consequences when done together. If you are feeling sleepy and you consume even just a small amount of alcohol, it could significantly impair your reaction time, and ability to stay awake.
If you are planning to party this Halloween weekend, make sure to get enough sleep the night before and plan a sober ride home. While we hope you have a fun and safe Halloween weekend, we understand accidents happen. If you are in need of a Ventura DUI defense attorney, contact The Law Offices of Robert F. Sommers. We offer emergency consultations if needed. Call 805.919.8662.