Residents in Louisiana share the road with many other drivers. Because of this, it is impossible to predict how safe the roads are. Some days may carry bigger risks than others.
Today we will look at one risk in specific. This is the risk of drowsy driving.
The impact of drowsy driving
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention looks at the problem of drowsy driving. Drowsy driving occurs when a driver does not get enough sleep but still gets behind the wheel. Like drunk driving, drowsy driving has different levels of severity. One driver could feel a small amount of exhaustion. Another may fall asleep at the wheel.
Regardless of the severity, drowsy driving puts everyone at risk. The CDC points out that drowsy driving caused over 72,000 crashes in 2013 alone. Thousands of these crashes result in fatalities.
Why is drowsy driving so widespread?
One risk that is unique to drowsy driving is the fact that it is not socially unacceptable. DUI and distracted driving have extensive campaigns pointing out their dangers. On a whole, most of society understands that they should not take these actions. People will shame others for driving while intoxicated or texting while driving.
Many people see drowsy driving as a fact of life, though. Due to people’s work schedules, school life and more, many do not get enough sleep. Because of that, you do not see the same stigmatization against drowsy driving. Some drivers even take pride in how much they drive while sleep deprived.
Until public opinion changes, drowsy driving will pose a threat to all. They create risk not only for themselves, but for everyone they share the road with.
