How can drowsiness influence a car crash?

On Behalf of | Mar 2, 2022 | Motor Vehicle Accidents |

Although you may assume losing a few hours of sleep is not a huge problem, it can actually affect a driver’s ability to safely operate a vehicle. No matter what road you are on, this can lead to a crash.

Learning about how drowsiness impacts potential car accidents can help you to make the best decisions possible on the road.

Mental fogginess increases

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, confusion and sluggishness while using a car are common side effects of sleep deprivation. No matter what time of day it is, a driver who is blinking often and closing his or her eyes for long stretches of time can cause a crash.

This fogginess of the mind impacts how people react to obstacles in front of them. While safe drivers would swerve to avoid hitting another person, drowsy drivers may not react in time. A few seconds of hesitation due to sleepiness can leave others injured in a car crash.

Minor mistakes increase

Following road rules is important for keeping all vehicles on the road safe from any minor errors that can lead to a serious injury. This includes staying in your lane and signaling to switch lanes. A driver who drifts off the road or who drivers over rumble strips can sideswipe another person without warning.

Drowsy drivers can forget to follow these rules and confuse other people around them. Even a simple action like exiting the highway or changing lanes can suddenly become dangerous since the drowsy driver reacts slower and is not as aware as before.