North Carolina residents like you expect to get to your destinations safely when you hit the road. Unfortunately, that is not always the case. Sometimes, the dangerous driving behaviors of others can negatively impact you. Today, we will take a look at the dangers of drowsy driving in specific.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention take a look at the dangers associated with drowsy driving, especially compared to other types of dangerous driving behaviors. Drowsy driving most closely resembles driving under the influence and driving while distracted. This is because they share many of the same effects. For example, drivers of all three categories may have:
- Slower reaction times
- Slower mental processing capabilities
- Physical impairment
- Being incapable of thinking straight
Drowsy drivers are also prone to making somewhat rash decisions. This is because a lack of sleep can also affect your mental and emotional well-being. Drowsy drivers may be more likely to engage in aggressive driving behaviors that can lead to altercations or crashes, such as tailgating, than they would while fully rested.
However, the biggest risk is for drowsy drivers to fall asleep at the wheel. This makes them completely incapable of reacting to their surroundings. They can easily speed into other cars, crash on the side of the road, or drift over lanes and into oncoming traffic. Because they do not brake and their foot may be pressed on the gas, these collisions can be even more dangerous.
Those who are faced with a crash in one of these circumstances may want to learn more about how crashes can affect them.
