How Dangerous Is Drowsy Driving?

 Posted on January 08, 2024 in Blog Post

Many individuals may not realize it, but driving drowsy is a form of distracted driving, and engaging in drowsy driving increases your risk of an accident. Drowsy driving or driving while fatigued results in slower reaction times and less awareness, which you never want while operating a motor vehicle. If a drowsy driver was involved in a car accident where you were injured, you may be able to seek compensation with the help of an Illinois car accident attorney.

Is Drowsy Driving Distracted Driving?

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, drowsy driving caused more than 650 deaths in 2021. More than 50,000 people were reported injured in a car accident caused by drowsing driving in 2017. Drowsy driving is a form of distracted driving, as fatigue distracts drivers from being totally aware and alert while operating their motor vehicle.

Consequences of drowsy driving include:

• Slowed reaction times and thought processes
• Impaired judgment or vision
• Impaired senses or abilities to safely operate a motor vehicle
• The risk of micro-sleeps, falling asleep at the wheel, or losing control of your motor vehicle

Specific individuals are more at risk of drowsy driving, such as those working very early or late shifts, though on medications that may cause drowsiness, and individuals dealing with life changes that result in less sleep.

It is important to be well-rested while driving and to constantly pull over and stop if you find yourself too tired to operate your motor vehicle.

Can I Seek Compensation After a Drowsy Driving Crash?

Drowsy driving may result in car accidents, and injuries received from these accidents range from milder to severe and life-changing. If you have been injured in a crash caused by a drowsy driver, you may be able to seek compensation.

Common forms of compensation after such a crash include compensation for medical bills, ongoing medical expenses, pain and suffering, repairs to cars, or compensation for a death that may have occurred in the accident.

Contact a Park Ridge, IL Car Accident Attorney

Drowsy driving is dangerous, and engaging in driving while fatigued may lead to a serious car accident. Suppose you, or someone you love, has been injured in a car accident where drowsy driving was a factor. In that case, you may be eligible for compensation to cover your medical expenses and any ongoing issues that resulted from the accident. Contact an experienced Glenview, IL car accident lawyer at Quinn Law Group, LLC by calling 847-232-7180 for a free consultation to learn more about your options.