The Dangers of Driving While Tired and Tips for Staying Safe

There are many ways to drive recklessly. Someone might disobey traffic laws by speeding or running through stoplights. Other drivers might get behind the wheel after drinking alcohol or doing drugs. However, one form of reckless driving that often flies under the radar is exhausted driving. When you’re tired, you don’t operate at your best. If you get behind the wheel while drowsy or fatigued, you put yourself and others in danger. Explore the dangers of driving while tired—and what you can do to stay safe and responsible—in this overview.

The Dangers of Drowsy Driving

Sleep deprivation is a form of impairment. If you’re exhausted, you’re more likely to feel distracted or have slower mental and physical reactions. Exhaustion can also lead to drivers nodding off behind the wheel. Just like drunk drivers, drowsy drivers might drift between lanes, miss a turn or stop sign, or drive too closely to the car in front of them. Driving while exhausted puts more than yourself at risk. In fact, roads are often more dangerous in the early hours of the morning or late in the afternoon when people are naturally sleepier. Responsible, well-rested driving is an essential part of keeping yourself and others safe and avoiding legal consequences. Because of how serious the dangers of driving while tired are, many places consider it a form of reckless driving. Just like drunk driving or other forms of reckless driving, you can lose your license and face heavy fines or even jail time.

Factors Behind Exhausted Driving—And How To Avoid Them

Unfortunately, we lead busy, stressful lives. A full and restful night’s sleep isn’t always possible before you need to get up in the morning and start a new day. You can stay safe by learning the symptoms of exhausted driving. If you find yourself yawning or struggling to keep your eyes open behind the wheel, pull over to take a break. It’s also important to pay attention to any medications you take. Prescriptions that cause drowsiness might put you in danger behind the wheel. Talk to your doctor about operating heavy machinery while taking your medications.

Don’t underestimate the dangers of driving while tired. Being distracted or nodding off on the road can result in an accident, which can then lead to other consequences, like jail time, fines, or license suspension. If you find yourself facing a suspended license and SR22 insurance requirement due to drowsy driving, let Serenity Group help. By comparing quotes for the SR22 online, you can find an affordable policy that enables you to meet your requirements, reinstate your license, and have a second chance at a safe life behind the wheel