As a whole, Americans are exhausted. Stress, long work hours, poor sleep schedules and problematic diets have a large percentage of the country feeling worn down or worn out – and that’s translating into an epidemic of drowsy drivers out there on the roads.
One out of every 25 drivers admits that they’ve fallen asleep behind the wheel of their vehicle – which suggests that the real problem could be even higher. Drowsy driving is statistically linked to around 328,000 crashes every year – but people keep ignoring the risks.
Why is drowsy driving so problematic?
Drowsy drivers have been compared to drunk drivers when it comes to their inability to operate a vehicle safely. Fatigue impairs their reaction times, limits their ability to make sound decisions and can even cause them to lose control of their cars, just like drivers who are impaired.
However, there’s far less social stigma against drowsy driving, and its dangers have not received the same level of attention as drunk driving. Drunk driving is seen as a choice, but drowsy driving is generally viewed as an involuntary condition. People feel they have no option but to drive while tired because they have to get to work, pick up the kids, run errands or meet other commitments. In fact, people who “burn the candle at both ends” are often publicly admired for their dedication, which makes sleep deprivation seen as a mere byproduct of hard work.
This perception that drowsiness is inevitable makes drowsy driving seem less reckless and more understandable – but it really isn’t. Drivers should recognize that they ultimately have to accept responsibility for their actions behind the wheel, and the choice to drive while drowsy is still a conscious choice that puts everyone around them at risk.
If you’re the victim of a drowsy driver, don’t let them get away with the damage they’ve caused to your life. You have the right to seek fair compensation for your injuries and other losses.
