Drowsy driving is a growing problem in the United States, and it is punished quite harshly in some places around the country. It is essential to understand what drowsy driving is, its implications and what to do if you are caught driving drowsy or tired.
What is drowsy driving?
This term refers to someone who operates a vehicle while in a state of fatigue, sleepiness or drowsiness, impairing the person’s ability to drive safely. Unfortunately, drowsy driving takes thousands of lives each year and causes even more injuries.
How does drowsy driving happen?
Many people express confusion about what drowsy driving really is, given that there are already crimes related to driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. However, this kind of driving can happen for many reasons, like lack of sleep or long hours on the road, as a side effect of certain medications, whether prescribed or over-the-counter.
What are the symptoms of drowsy driving?
Some of the symptoms that drowsy drivers experience include:
- Feeling very tired
- Heavy eyes
- Hard time focusing
- Drifting to the side
- Frequent yawning
In some cases, it is so severe that drivers fall asleep briefly, losing consciousness without realizing it. In these circumstances, they frequently wake up due to feeling their car drift or an attempt by another driver to wake them up with noise.
Can this get you in legal trouble?
While drowsy driving is not explicitly categorized as a crime in Florida, it can still lead to severe consequences. If police pull you over and suspect you are driving while impaired, you may be subject to sobriety tests.
Even though DUI charges are typically associated with drinking alcohol or taking drugs, if the officer finds that you are impaired to the extent that your normal faculties are affected, you may still face charges, which can lead to severe penalties, fines, the suspension of your license and more.
Drowsy driving is not a new phenomenon but certainly a growing one, and law enforcement often looks for signs of this during a stop. It is dangerous, as it can cause accidents, and the consequences of this act can lead to severe circumstances, which is why it can be punished.