Most people are well aware of the dangers of drunk driving, but tired drivers can be just as unsafe on the road. According to the National Safety Council (NSC), driving while drowsy can lead to impairments similar to those caused by alcohol. Fatigued drivers experience slower reaction times, impaired judgment, and a higher likelihood of drifting into other lanes or missing critical road cues—all of which increase the risk of serious and fatal car accidents.
Tired drivers often cause severe crashes
Drowsy driving poses dangers strikingly similar to those of drunk driving. Studies reveal that staying awake for 20 hours can impair a driver as much as a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08%—the legal limit for alcohol impairment in most states. Yet, the risks of drowsy driving often go unrecognized, even though the consequences can be just as severe.
According to the National Safety Council, fatigued drivers experience slower reaction times and poor hand-eye coordination, two factors that increase the likelihood of serious crashes. A driver's reaction time slows the longer they stay awake, mirroring the effects of alcohol. Just as with drunk driving, tired drivers are more likely to miss critical road cues, drift between lanes, or react too late to avoid a collision.
Why is fatigued driving so dangerous?
Fatigued driving is a serious hazard that leads to thousands of preventable accidents every year. Beyond slower reaction times, drowsy drivers endanger everyone on the road in several ways:
Eyes closed at high speeds
Fatigued drivers may close their eyes momentarily—known as "microsleep"—especially on highways, where even a few seconds at high speed can mean traveling hundreds of yards without looking at the road.
Drifting across lanes
Drowsy drivers often drift into other lanes or even oncoming traffic, a common cause of devastating head-on collisions.
Failure to brake
Drivers who fall asleep at the wheel can crash without ever hitting the brakes, leading to high-impact collisions with severe consequences.
Lack of focus
Fatigue affects awareness, making it hard for drowsy drivers to notice other vehicles or changes in traffic, increasing the risk of sudden, avoidable accidents.
Poor judgment
Like impaired drivers, tired drivers are more prone to making reckless choices that can lead to life-threatening situations.
The tragic reality is that drowsy driving accidents are entirely preventable. By simply pulling over and taking a break, tired drivers can avoid putting others in danger—but many choose to keep driving, creating unnecessary risks for everyone on the road.
National drowsy driving statistics
Drowsy driving is a significant problem on roads nationwide, contributing to an estimated 328,000 crashes each year, according to the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety. Of these, around 109,000 result in injuries, and tragically, 6,400 lead to fatalities. These numbers might be even higher, as fatigue isn't always recognized as a cause in crash reports.
The scope of the issue becomes even clearer with findings from the National Road Safety Foundation: 60% of drivers admit to driving while tired, and 37% have reported actually falling asleep behind the wheel.
Arizona drowsy driving crash data
Like the rest of the nation, Arizona has a serious problem with car accidents caused by drowsy drivers. In 2023, tired drivers and drivers who fell asleep at the wheel caused 1,528 accidents, resulting in 606 injuries and 10 deaths, according to the Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT). That's more than four drowsy driving accidents every day in Arizona last year.
Browne Law Group holds negligent drivers accountable
If you've been injured in a car accident caused by a drowsy or asleep-at-the-wheel driver in Arizona, it may seem like a clear-cut case since Arizona's at-fault insurance system requires the responsible driver's insurer to cover accident-related expenses. Unfortunately, these cases often become far more complex than expected.
Insurance companies frequently minimize claims, challenging the severity of your injuries or disputing the role fatigue played in the crash. That's where an experienced Arizona car accident lawyer from Browne Law Group can make all the difference. We know what evidence to gather to prove the other driver was drowsy, such as traffic camera footage, eyewitness testimony, and cellphone records. With years of experience and a proven record of case results—including a $2 million settlement for an accident victim—our team is committed to fighting for the compensation you deserve.
Don't let the insurance company control the narrative. Schedule a free consultation with an Arizona car accident attorney dedicated to protecting your rights and maximizing your recovery. Meet us at our Gilbert, AZ office or another location convenient for you.