No matter how short a distance someone has to drive to get to their next destination, intense feelings of exhaustion may eventually lead to a car crash.
Sharing the road with drivers who do not get enough sleep and operate their vehicles anyway can leave people in danger. Understanding the signs of drowsy driving can help them when they begin to feel overwhelmed.
Swerving and weaving around
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, a car drifting around and switching lanes on the road can make someone else nervous. Scraping against a smaller vehicle like a motorcycle can make the driver fall off and suffer serious injuries.
Certain medications can also cause slower reactions and some people may take them before getting in their car. If they are too distracted or rushed, they may not pull over to take a nap once they start to feel sleepy.
Braking suddenly
A person who is falling asleep may accidentally tap the brakes and gas pedal as they drift off. This can lead to them stopping suddenly and crashing into a vehicle behind them. If the driver is struggling to keep their eyes open and their head from drooping, they could easily lose control of the car.
Missing signs
Whether someone is navigating a highway or a back road, they may miss an important road sign if they are falling asleep. Even failing to notice one light or stop sign can lead to a serious crash.
Staying aware of the dangers of drowsy driving and poor control is beneficial for people involved in a vehicle accident.