Sleep-Deprived Driving and the Atlanta DUI

Sleep-Deprived Driving and the Atlanta DUI

Studies estimate that drowsy driving accounts for over 328,000 police-reported crashes, injuries and 6,400 deaths per year in the US alone.

Georgia does not specifically prohibit drowsy driving; however, under its impaired driving laws authorities can issue tickets to drivers displaying signs of fatigue while behind the wheel.

1. Risk of Injury

Most drivers understand the dangers associated with drunk driving are serious; however, sleepy driving is equally as hazardous. People driving while fatigued increase their risk of accidents that could cause broken bones and concussions; these incidents can become especially severe if large vehicles like trucks or buses are involved.

Drowsy driving can often be linked to insufficient sleep; however, other causes include shift work, certain medications and undiagnosed disorders like obstructive sleep apnea that could leave someone experiencing chronic fatigue that impedes their daily tasks.

Even though Georgia does not have specific laws prohibiting drowsy driving, it is generally considered negligent to operate a vehicle when too tired to do it safely. Under personal injury law, such negligent drivers could be held liable for any accidents or injuries they cause as a result.

2. Risk of Death

Studies demonstrate the dangers associated with driving while fatigued are similar to driving under the influence. Drivers suffering from sleep disorders like narcolepsy, insomnia and obstructive sleep apnea are at an even higher risk of car accidents due to fatigue.

Risks associated with prolonged awakenedness include death. One study discovered that drivers awake for over 18 hours displayed impairment similar to someone who had reached blood alcohol concentration of 0.08 percent–the legal limit in Georgia.

Drowsy driving doesn’t receive the same level of media attention as drunk driving; however, it still causes significant numbers of collisions, injuries and deaths. A Sandy Springs car accident attorney could assist victims of these crashes by holding negligent drivers responsible to account, investigating their crash scene, holding these drivers responsible and working to prevent future incidents – seeking medical bills reimbursement, lost wages compensation as well as pain-and-suffering compensation damages from these negligent parties.

3. Risk of Accidents

People of all ages have heard about the risks associated with drunk driving, but many don’t realize that sleep deprivation can also contribute to serious car accidents. Fatigue affects reaction times just as strongly as alcohol or drugs do.

Fatigue can result from lack of sleep, shift work, an untreated sleep disorder and certain medications; therefore it is common among commercial drivers and shift workers who find themselves sleep deprived while behind the wheel.

Involvement with a fatigued driver presents you with the opportunity to seek damages for injuries sustained in an accident, though proving impairment requires evidence from such as medical records, cell phone records, witness testimonies and expert analysis – particularly relevant in states with comparative negligence laws. A car accident attorney can help build your claim for medical expenses, lost wages and pain and suffering damages.

4. Risk of DUI

Drivers who are too sleepy behind the wheel could cause an accident due to impairment. Therefore, it is vital that they get sufficient rest before heading out on the road or arrange alternative forms of transport should their abilities diminish significantly.

Driving while fatigued can affect a driver’s judgment and reaction times in much the same way that drinking alcohol does, according to recent research. One study concluded that being awake for 18 hours had similar results as having a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) level of 0.10 percent or greater.

Georgia DUI laws are designed to discourage impaired driving, including drowsy driving. Some of these laws include tiered penalties based on driver BAC levels, Ignition Interlock Device (IID) use as well as increased penalties for underage DUI offenders. Sleep disorders like narcolepsy, insomnia and obstructive sleep apnea can also hinder drivers’ ability to receive adequate restful restful sleep and should therefore also be considered factors.