Maybe you stayed up too late last night. Maybe you have kids that make sleep seem like an elusive luxury. Maybe you have a sleep disorder like sleep apnea or insomnia. Or maybe you just finished a long shift at work or a full day at the beach.

In each of these cases and more, getting behind the wheel while drowsy is a risk to yourself, to your passengers, and to others on the road.

Here are 3 risks of drowsy driving:

1. Drowsiness distracts you from the road.

Lack of sleep can cause you to daydream or let your thoughts wander more than usual. Focusing on the road and staying alert is imperative to road safety and preventing collisions. But if your mind is disengaged or distracted by your fatigue, you will be less likely to notice potential hazards or even traffic signals.

2. Drowsiness slows your reaction time to sudden hazards.

Fatigue causes your brain to process and react more slowly to hazards on the road. Sometimes avoiding a collision requires thought and action in a matter of seconds. But if you’re driving while drowsy, your reaction time takes longer. And sometimes just an extra couple of seconds can make all the difference.

3. Drowsiness impairs your judgment.

Did you know that drowsiness can be as great a risk on the road as driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol? You may also be inclined to speed or drive more recklessly in an effort to reach your destination more quickly.

Every time you get behind the wheel, you’re taking serious responsibility into your hands. Don’t let fatigue or drowsiness put yourself or others at risk.

But sometimes, despite our best efforts, collisions still happen, whether caused by ourselves or others. If you have been involved in a car wreck, call Richard Smith at (864) 236-5530. Richard Smith has been handling personal injury cases for over 30 years and is ready to help you today.

Disclaimer: Principle office is located at 1210 Laurens Rd, Greenville, SC 29607. No fee unless the case is settled or won, costs may be excluded.