Are You Too Tired To Drive? Drowsy Driving Is Impaired Driving

Most people are aware of the dangers of impaired driving, like driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. However, many don’t realize that driving while too tired is also a form of impairment—and it’s just as dangerous. Drowsy drivers experience slower reaction times, impaired judgment, and the risk of falling asleep at the wheel, creating a recipe for disaster on the road.

For car accident victims, crashes caused by drowsy drivers can result in life-changing injuries, steep medical bills, and a lengthy recovery process. Holding fatigued drivers accountable is crucial, not just for justice, but to prevent others from making the same reckless decision.

As the nights grow longer and darker, understanding the risks of drowsy driving is more important than ever. Fatigue behind the wheel doesn’t just put you in danger; it also puts other drivers, passengers, and pedestrians at serious risk. Stay alert, stay safe, and make responsible choices this winter. If you’ve been injured in a car accident caused by a drowsy driver, a car accident lawyer can help you pursue the compensation you deserve and fight for accountability.

What percentage of accidents are caused by drowsy driving?

Drowsy driving accidents are alarmingly common and often devastating. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), about 1 in 25 adult drivers admitted to falling asleep at the wheel within the past month. Even more drivers confessed to driving while severely sleep-deprived, putting themselves and others at risk.

The impact of drowsy driving is staggering. Each year, an estimated 328,000 car accidents are caused by fatigued drivers, leading to 109,000 injuries and 6,400 deaths, according to a study by the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety, cited by the National Safety Council.

Unfortunately, these statistics may be just the tip of the iceberg. Drowsy driving often goes unreported as a contributing factor in car accidents, meaning the true scope of the problem could be even greater.

Drowsy driving accidents in South Carolina

While South Carolina ranks lower than many other states for drowsy driving accidents, the numbers still highlight a serious issue. A study by ValuePenguin found that South Carolina ranked 45th among states for fatal car accidents caused by tired drivers.

In 2020 alone, 45 motor vehicle fatalities in South Carolina were attributed to drivers who were drowsy or fell asleep at the wheel. Although this represents just 1% of all car accident deaths in the state that year, even one preventable death is too many.

Every life lost to drowsy driving represents a family left to grieve and a tragedy that could have been avoided. Raising awareness about the dangers of driving while fatigued is essential, as is holding negligent drivers accountable to improve road safety and prevent future accidents.

Is driving drowsy considered a form of impaired driving?

Drowsy driving doesn’t carry the same stigma as drinking and driving, but it’s just as dangerous. Many people don’t realize that driving while tired significantly impairs reaction times, decision-making, and overall awareness, putting everyone on the road at risk.

For example, a study by the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety found that missing just one hour of sleep can double a driver’s likelihood of causing an accident. Drivers with only 5 hours of sleep are five times more likely to crash compared to someone who had 7 hours of rest the night before.

The Sleep Foundation also revealed alarming data: a driver who has been awake for 20 hours straight has reaction times similar to someone with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08 percent—the legal limit for drunk driving in South Carolina and most other states.

Drowsy driving is impaired driving, and it’s important to recognize the risks. Whether you’re a driver or a victim of an accident caused by fatigue, understanding these dangers can help save lives and ensure accountability.

Why are drowsy driver crashes usually so serious?

Drowsy driving crashes often result in severe injuries or fatalities due to several unique factors that make tired drivers particularly dangerous:

• No Braking Before Impact: Drowsy drivers may fail to apply the brakes because they’re too tired or asleep at the wheel, leading to high-speed collisions.
• Delayed Reaction Times: Fatigue slows a driver’s ability to react to road hazards, making accidents more likely.
• High-Speed Crashes: Tired drivers often don’t slow down before a collision, resulting in greater force and more serious injuries.
• Severe Injuries and Fatalities: The combination of delayed reactions and high speeds often leads to devastating outcomes for victims.
• Lane Drifting: Fatigued drivers are prone to drifting into other lanes, causing head-on collisions or sideswipe accidents.
• Compounded Risks: Many drowsy drivers also engage in other dangerous behaviors like speeding or driving under the influence, further increasing the likelihood of serious crashes.

How do you know if you are too tired to drive?

Recognizing the signs of fatigue while driving can help you avoid becoming a danger to yourself and others on the road. If you experience any of the following, it’s a clear indication that you may be too tired to drive:

• Drifting Between Lanes: If you find yourself unintentionally crossing lane markers, it’s a strong sign that you’re too fatigued to stay focused.
• Difficulty Maintaining Speed: Driving significantly slower or faster than the speed limit without realizing it could indicate impaired judgment due to tiredness.
• Unresponsive to Signals: Failing to react to other drivers’ flashing lights, honking horns, or other warnings suggests delayed reaction times caused by fatigue.
• Microsleeps or Nodding Off: Briefly closing your eyes or losing focus for even a few seconds is a critical sign that it’s unsafe to continue driving.

If you notice another driver exhibiting these behaviors—such as swerving, inconsistent speeds, or failing to respond to traffic signals—it’s possible they are too tired to drive. Always keep a safe distance and report dangerous driving when necessary to help prevent accidents.

Fighting for justice after a drowsy driving accident

Drowsy driving accidents don’t just result in broken cars—they shatter lives. For victims and their families, the aftermath of such a crash often involves severe injuries, emotional trauma, and overwhelming financial strain. Medical bills, lost wages, and the pain of recovery can pile up quickly, leaving victims unsure of where to turn for help.

This is where accountability matters. Drowsy drivers must be held responsible for their reckless actions to not only provide victims with the compensation they need but also to send a clear message about the dangers of driving while fatigued. In some cases, additional parties, such as employers of professional drivers, may share liability for allowing unsafe practices that lead to these devastating crashes.

If you’ve been injured in a drowsy driving accident, working with a South Carolina car accident attorney is critical. A skilled lawyer can uncover the truth about the crash, gather evidence to support your claim, and fight to ensure you receive the full compensation you deserve for your injuries and losses. Beyond financial recovery, pursuing justice can help raise awareness and prevent others from becoming victims of avoidable tragedies.

Twenge + Twombley is committed to protecting the rights of South Carolina car accident victims. Contact us today for a free consultation, and let us fight for the justice you deserve.

"Dear Mr. Twombley: A brief note to you expressing my appreciation for the outstanding settlement obtained on my behalf. It far exceeded my expectations." – Earl H., ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐