Why do people accept drowsy driving more often?

Distracted driving behaviors often get a lot of flack. Issues like texting while driving and drinking while driving have many dedicated campaigns pointing out their risks and shaming those who engage in such behaviors.

However, one distracted driving behavior gets less negative attention than others despite happening often and resulting in many crashes. This is the act of drowsy driving.

The risks of driving drowsy

The CDC looks at drowsy driving as a dangerous phenomenon. It occurs when a victim hits the road without getting enough sleep beforehand, resulting in symptoms that actually hold many similarities with the symptoms of drunk drivers.

For example, drowsy drivers cannot react to dangers quickly. They may struggle to even identify them in the first place. On top of that, they struggle to problem solve and have slowed reflexes, making it physically difficult to do things in a timely fashion even if they can figure out how to take care of an issue.

Many of these drivers can get into rear-end crashes where they are at fault for that reason. It is also possible for drowsy drivers to completely fall asleep at the wheel, leading to extremely risky situations such as the sleeping driver going over the meridian or off the side of the road.

Why drivers still think it is okay

Yet despite this, many drivers consider drowsy driving a more “acceptable” form of dangerous driving. In large part, this is due to the fact that so many people feel they participate in it without repercussions.

But it only takes one mistake to cause a life-altering or even life-ending accident, so drowsy driving should also remain something to avoid.