Cause And Effect Essay On Drowsy Driving
Most people in Toms River are aware that driving while intoxicated or distracted can be dangerous. Often overlooked, however, is the danger that driving while drowsy poses. The AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety reports that drowsy drivers are involved in an estimated 109,000 motor vehicle accidents resulting in injuries each year. Furthermore, it is estimated that driving while sleep-deprived plays a role in 6,400 fatal auto collisions annually.
How dangerous is drowsy driving?
Fatigue and drowsiness can have a significant impact on people’s abilities to safely operate their motor vehicles. When motorists have been awake for extended periods of time, or are highly fatigued, they may experience effects similar to those resulting from alcohol consumption. In fact, drivers who have been awake for 18 hours exhibit similar cognitive impairments to those with a .05 percent blood alcohol content level, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Motorists in New Jersey, and elsewhere, are considered legally …show more content…
Additionally, driving while drowsy may lead to problems with decision-making, attention lapses and other negligent driving behaviors. These effects may contribute to drowsy drivers causing motor vehicle collisions, which could result in serious injuries or deaths.
What causes fatigued driving?
Any number of factors may contribute to motorists driving while fatigued. Some of the most common causes of drowsy driving include the following:
• The amount of time a driver has been on the road
• The time of day when a motorist is traveling
• Not getting adequate rest or sleep loss
• Untreated sleep disorders
• Using sedating medications or sleep aids
Additionally, consuming alcohol may also affect drowsiness. Consuming alcohol while sleep-deprived or fatigued may increase and enhance a driver’s
How dangerous is drowsy driving?
Fatigue and drowsiness can have a significant impact on people’s abilities to safely operate their motor vehicles. When motorists have been awake for extended periods of time, or are highly fatigued, they may experience effects similar to those resulting from alcohol consumption. In fact, drivers who have been awake for 18 hours exhibit similar cognitive impairments to those with a .05 percent blood alcohol content level, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Motorists in New Jersey, and elsewhere, are considered legally …show more content…
Additionally, driving while drowsy may lead to problems with decision-making, attention lapses and other negligent driving behaviors. These effects may contribute to drowsy drivers causing motor vehicle collisions, which could result in serious injuries or deaths.
What causes fatigued driving?
Any number of factors may contribute to motorists driving while fatigued. Some of the most common causes of drowsy driving include the following:
• The amount of time a driver has been on the road
• The time of day when a motorist is traveling
• Not getting adequate rest or sleep loss
• Untreated sleep disorders
• Using sedating medications or sleep aids
Additionally, consuming alcohol may also affect drowsiness. Consuming alcohol while sleep-deprived or fatigued may increase and enhance a driver’s