Drowsiness vs intoxication
The Sleep Foundation provides crucial information on drowsy driving. Drowsy driving is one of the biggest risks of the road. It is one of the deadliest forms of distracted driving. On top of that, it is also one of the fastest-growing risks, with annual rates of crashes involving drowsy drivers rising every year.
Drowsiness impacts driver safety in a way similar to driving while intoxicated. In fact, drivers in both scenarios often share many of the same symptoms. A drowsy driver will struggle to concentrate and focus. They will suffer from delayed reaction times and clumsy reflexes. They cannot predict or act quickly when faced with a dangerous situation.
Risks of microsleep
On top of that, they risk falling asleep at the wheel or experiencing microsleep. A microsleep can last up to 3 seconds, but that is enough time to travel the length of a football field when on the freeway. Needless to say, the chance of getting into a crash like that is high.
Campaigns to raise awareness of drowsy driving continue to combat this deadly issue. Until then, drivers can protect themselves and others by getting enough sleep before hitting the road.
