Missouri drivers like you are aware of the dangers of distracted driving. Campaigns across the nation target some of the riskiest distracted driving behaviors. Texting while driving is one of the big ones. Another up-and-coming issue is drowsy driving.
You might not know that drowsy driving is a type of distracted driving. But it does indeed fall under the same umbrella as texting while driving.
What causes drowsy driving?
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention discuss data related to drowsy driving. Drowsy driving incidents stem from several factors. Some drivers suffer from sleep disorders. In other instances, a lack of sleep comes from the intensity of modern day schedules. In fact, it is somewhat normalized for people to drive without enough sleep. You may see this firsthand when coworkers complain about not sleeping enough.
How does drowsy driving impact drivers?
A driver should not get behind the wheel without a proper night’s sleep. Of course, this is an ideal scenario and it is not always possible. But all drivers should strive to achieve this anyway. Why? Because all forms of distracted driving can lead to crashes. Drowsy driving actually has a similar impact on you as driving intoxicated. Some similarities include:
- Slower reflexes
- A harder time identifying and reacting to potential dangers
- An inability to concentrate
- Delayed reaction times
- Difficulty retaining memory
You must be in top mental form to drive safely. Unfortunately, drowsy driving takes away your ability to do that. This is one of the many reasons why drowsy driving faces so many campaigns. People across the country work to bring attention to its dangers and undo its normalization.