San Diego Drowsy Driving Attorney

California residents lead busy lives with little time for sleep. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, one out of three American adults report not getting enough sleep every day, and about 40% say they fall asleep in the middle of the day without intending to at least once a month. Unexpected naps can be annoying and interfere with productivity, but they aren’t typically dangerous—unless they occur while behind the wheel. There were 693 car accident fatalities in 2022 caused by drowsy driving accidents, making this a significant national problem.

Recognizing the Signs of Dangerous Drowsiness Behind the Wheel

We’ve all experienced tiredness while driving, whether during a commute home after a busy work day, driving home from a late dinner with friends, or on a long road trip. But feeling tired isn’t the same as experiencing dangerous drowsiness behind the wheel. Drowsy driving occurs when a motorist is on the verge of sleep. Signs of dangerous drowsiness include the following:

• Heavy eyes and frequent blinking
• Blurred vision or difficulty focusing
• Frequent yawning
• Wandering thoughts verging on twilight sleep
• Inability to remember the last few miles driven
• Drifting out of a lane and hitting rumble strips or jerking back into a lane
• Missing traffic signs
• Head nodding
• Frequent eye rubbing

Experiencing any of the above signs is a dangerous red flag. It’s important for a driver experiencing symptoms of drowsy driving to find a safe place to get off the road, either to sleep or to try reviving through caffeinated beverages and a brisk walk to increase oxygenation before returning to the road. Then they should reach their destination or a place to sleep as soon as possible.

How Does Drowsiness Impact Driving Ability?

The Sleep Foundation warns that drowsy driving is just as dangerous as intoxicated driving. Both types of impaired driving impact alertness, reaction time, and decision-making ability. Studies show that about the same number of accidents are caused by drowsy driving as drunk driving. While drunk driving may cause over-confidence and impulsiveness, drowsiness includes the risk of falling asleep behind the wheel in addition to problems with vigilance, concentration, and reaction times.

After 18 hours of awake time, a driver’s reaction times and concentration behind the wheel are similar to a driver with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.05%. After 20 hours without sleep, a drowsy driver’s impairment is similar to a driver with a BAC of 0.08%, or over the legal limit.

What Types of Accidents Are Caused by Drowy Driving?

Recognizing a drowsy driver on the road is similar to recognizing the signs of an intoxicated driver. A drowsy driver may be drifting out of their lane and then jerking back into it, or frequently slowing and accelerating. It’s important to avoid a drowsy driver and report them if they are driving dangerously. Unlike drunk driving, there are no criminal penalties for drowsy driving in San Diego.

Drowsy driving causes the following types of accidents:

• Rear-end collisions from failing to stop when a vehicle stops in front of the drowsy driver
• Roadway departures
• Head-on collisions
• Collisions with obstacles such as guardrails
• Sideswipes
• Angle collisions (T-bone accidents)

When a drowsy driver causes an accident with injuries, they are liable for the victim’s damages like medical expenses, lost wages, and compensation for pain and suffering.

How Can a San Diego Drowsy Driving Accident Lawyer Help?

Proving fault and liability after a drowsy driving accident can be challenging. Unlike drunk driving, there are no blood or breathalyzer tests to prove a drowsy driver’s level of impairment. A skilled car accident lawyer can help your case by investigating all aspects of the accident and compiling evidence to make a compelling claim. Call Haffner & Morgan, LLP today for a free consultation on your case.