Why Are Drowsy and Distracted Driving Dangerous?

 Posted on November 14, 2024 in Car Accidents

You have probably seen campaigns warning about the risks of distracted and drowsy driving. While these conditions might seem harmless, they all too often cause wrecks that injure or kill. Have you ever wondered why driver fatigue and distractions are dangerous? At James Kennedy, P.L.L.C., we want you to be safe during your travels. If you are injured due to another driver’s negligent behavior, our El Paso lawyers are ready to assist you recover the compensation you deserve.

Distracted Driving and Its Risks

To drive safely, motorists should keep their eyes on the road, mind focused on driving, hands on the wheel, and ears open to traffic sounds. Anything that prevents those requirements is considered a distraction, such as:

• Texting or other hands-on use of cell phones

• Eating, drinking, and smoking

• Listening to music or podcasts using earbuds

• Interacting with passengers

• Searching for loose objects in the vehicle

• Daydreaming

• Grooming activities

Drowsy Driving Is Similar to Drunk Driving

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, being awake for 17 hours can cause similar impairments as having a blood alcohol concentration of 0.05 percent. At 24 hours, the effects rise to a BAC of 0.10 percent. Although driving under the influence of alcohol is illegal, drowsy driving is not. Truck drivers do have hours of service regulations to alleviate the issue, but driving while tired is not a violation of the law in Texas.

Truckers are not the only ones who might be too fatigued to drive safely. Night shift workers and those who work long shifts are other examples.

The Potential Driving Hazards of Distracted and Drowsy Driving

Although these are separate behaviors, both distracted driving and drowsy driving are negligent and share some common effects on a driver’s abilities, such as:

• Inability to maintain a consistent speed

• Failure to notice emerging traffic conditions

• Difficulty making emergency steering or speed adjustments

• Delayed reaction times

• Failure to keep enough distance between vehicles

• Difficulty concentrating

• Weaving into other lanes or running off the road

• Impaired decision making

These dangerous effects of distracted and drowsy driving frequently lead to otherwise avoidable accidents.

Compensation for a Drowsy or Distracted Driving Accident

In Texas, you can recover compensation for your damages if you are less than 50 percent at fault for your crash. However, your percentage of fault reduces your compensation amount accordingly. Your eligible damages may include:

• Property damage

• Lost wages

• Medical expenses

• Replacement services

• Pain and suffering

Your attorney from James Kennedy, P.L.L.C. knows how to calculate your damages accurately and will work hard to help you get as much as you deserve.

Call Our Dedicated Sierra Blanca, TX Car Accident Lawyers

You deserve compensation if another person’s negligence injures you in a car wreck. Call James Kennedy, P.L.L.C. at 915-544-5200 to schedule your free consultation with our skilled El Paso County, TX personal injury attorneys. Se Habla Español.