One of the most underestimated causes of car accidents is drowsy driving. Many of us feel tired once in a while, so the idea that driving while tired could be as dangerous as drunk driving might seem surprising. However, the reality is that fatigued drivers put everyone on the road at risk, causing thousands of crashes annually, including many in Delaware. If you've been injured in an accident caused by a drowsy driver, understanding your rights and taking legal action can help ensure accountability and compensation for your losses.
Warning signs of drowsy driving
Recognizing the warning signs of drowsy driving can save lives. If you experience any of the following while behind the wheel, it’s time to pull over and rest:
- Frequent Yawning or Blinking: Constant yawning or struggling to keep your eyes open are clear signs of fatigue.
- Drifting or Swerving: If you find yourself drifting into other lanes or hitting rumble strips, your focus is slipping.
- Difficulty Remembering: Missing road signs or forgetting the last few miles driven are red flags that you’re too tired to drive.
- Heavy Eyelids or Microsleeps: Brief moments of dozing off, even for a second, can lead to catastrophic crashes.
- Trouble Staying Focused: If you’re struggling to concentrate on the road or keep your head up, it’s time to take a break.
Don’t ignore these signs. Pull over, take a short nap, or switch drivers. Staying alert is critical to keeping yourself and others safe on the road.
Why is drowsy driving so dangerous?
Drowsy driving is a serious safety hazard, and the less sleep a driver gets, the more likely they are to cause an accident. Research from the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety reveals that drivers who sleep only 6 to 7 hours are twice as likely to cause a crash as those who get a full 8 hours of sleep. Drivers who operate on just 5 hours of sleep are four to five times more likely to be involved in a collision.
Fatigue impairs driving abilities in multiple ways, leading to behaviors that put everyone on the road at risk. Here’s why drowsy driving is so dangerous:
Slower reaction times
Fatigued drivers take longer to respond to other vehicles, traffic signals, and road hazards. This delay can turn a close call into a serious crash, especially in fast-changing situations like merging traffic or sudden stops.
Failing to stop or slow down
Tired drivers often fail to notice red lights, stop signs, or slowing traffic ahead. This can result in rear-end collisions, T-bone crashes at intersections, or pileups in high-speed areas.
Drifting into other lanes
Fatigue makes it difficult for drivers to maintain control of their vehicles, causing them to drift into adjacent lanes. This often leads to dangerous side-swipe accidents or head-on collisions when a driver crosses into oncoming traffic.
Not applying the brakes
Drivers who are falling asleep at the wheel may not brake at all before impact. These high-speed collisions often result in devastating injuries due to the increased force of the crash.
Closing their eyes while driving
Microsleeps—brief moments where a driver’s eyes close—are common among drowsy drivers. During these seconds of lost awareness, a car can travel hundreds of feet at highway speeds, creating an extremely high risk of catastrophic crashes.
Making poor decisions
Fatigue impairs judgment, causing drivers to misjudge gaps in traffic, tailgate, or make unsafe lane changes. These split-second decisions can have life-altering consequences.
Reduced awareness of road conditions
Tired drivers are less likely to notice changing road conditions, such as wet pavement, construction zones, or debris. This lack of attention increases the likelihood of losing control or failing to avoid obstacles.
Overestimating their abilities
Many drowsy drivers overestimate their ability to drive safely despite feeling tired. This overconfidence leads them to continue driving when they should pull over and rest, putting everyone on the road in danger.
Similarities between drowsy driving & drunk driving
At first glance, drunk driving and drowsy driving might seem like completely different problems. But the reality is they share striking similarities—especially when it comes to slowed reaction times and impaired judgment.
A study highlighted by the Sleep Foundation measured the reaction times of drunk drivers and drowsy drivers, and the results are alarming:
- 18 Hours Awake: Drivers awake for 18 hours had reaction times similar to a drunk driver with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.05%.
- 20 Hours Awake: Staying awake for 20 hours resulted in reaction times comparable to a drunk driver with a BAC of 0.08%, the legal limit for impaired driving in most states.
- 24 Hours Awake: Drivers who stayed awake for 24 hours had reaction times equivalent to someone with a BAC of 0.1%, well above the legal limit.
The similarities don’t stop there. Both drunk and drowsy drivers have the option to make a safer choice: avoid driving. Instead, they choose to get behind the wheel, putting themselves and everyone else on the road at risk of a serious crash. Whether the impairment comes from alcohol or exhaustion, the outcome can be devastating.
How common are drowsy driving accidents?
Drowsy driving is a significant problem nationwide, causing an estimated 328,000 car accidents each year, according to the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety. These crashes result in approximately 109,000 injuries and 6,400 fatalities annually. And that’s just the reported cases—many drowsy driving accidents go underreported, meaning the actual numbers could be even higher.
One alarming statistic from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), cited by the National Safety Council (NSC), highlights the scope of the issue: 1 in 25 drivers admitted to falling asleep at the wheel at least once in the past month.
Delaware is no exception to the dangers of drowsy driving. According to the Delaware Office of Highway Safety, 29% of car accidents in the state are caused by driver fatigue or other risky behaviors like distracted driving. From 2019 to 2023, these behaviors were responsible for 9,569 crashes, leading to 174 serious injuries and 22 fatalities.
How a Delaware car accident lawyer can fight for you
If you’ve been injured in a crash caused by a drowsy driver, navigating the legal process alone can be overwhelming. Insurance companies often downplay or deny valid claims, and proving that fatigue contributed to the accident can be challenging without the right evidence. That’s where an experienced car accident attorney from Gill, Welsh, and Chamberlain, P.A. can make all the difference.
Our legal team can investigate every detail of your case, gathering evidence such as driver logs, witness statements, and accident reports to establish fault. We can also negotiate aggressively with insurance companies to ensure you receive full compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
Get the Delaware law firm that gets results. Contact us today and schedule a free case evaluation to see how we can help you find your way forward.
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