From television campaigns to classrooms, most of us are aware of the dangers
associated with drunk driving. However, not many people understand how
dangerous drowsy driving can be.
Did you know that they are equally as bad? According to the National Highway
Traffic Safety Administration, approximately 100,000 traffic-related collisions
every year are caused by a drowsy or fatigued motorist.
Being Too Drunk to Drive Compared to Being Too Drowsy to Drive
Studies show that experiencing a 24-hour day without any sleep is actually
the same as having a BAC level of .10, which is .02 over the legal limit.
Lack of sleep causes slow reaction time, as well as a decreased ability
to process information quick enough to make a timely decision. Drowsy
driving can just be as dangerous as drunk driving since it can result
in catastrophic consequences, such as injuries and deaths.
The following is a comparison between the signs of intoxicated driving
and the signs of fatigued driving:
Too drunk to drive – Slurred speech, slowed reaction time, and inability to balance.
Someone who is too intoxicated to drive may suffer from short-term memory loss.
Too drowsy to drive – Heavy eyelids, slower reaction time, focusing difficulties, or
swerving between lanes. Someone who is too fatigued to drive may not remember
the last few miles they’ve driven.
If you are feeling tired and consumed even just a small amount of alcohol,
it could substantially impair your reaction time and hinder your ability
to remain awake behind the wheel. If you have been arrested for a