Many factors can contribute to the likelihood of a car crash on the road. Some are more obvious or common than others. By contrast, you may not even know the true dangers of others. Drowsy driving often falls under the latter category.

But how does drowsy driving contribute to crashes? What makes it such a big risk for drivers and the people they share the road with?

Similarities between drowsy and intoxicated driving

Sleep Foundation compares drowsy driving to intoxicated driving. It affects your senses in a similar way. Drowsy and intoxicated drivers both struggle with depth perception and blurry vision. Both have slower reflexes and take longer to process their surroundings. Both have a limited understanding of potential dangers and how to cope with them.

Both may even fall asleep behind the wheel. In particular, this can cause lethal crashes. An unconscious driver has no ability to react to their surroundings, as opposed to a reduced ability. Many crashes that involve a car traveling over the median on a highway involve unconscious drivers.

How common is drunk driving?

On top of that, you are more likely to run into a drowsy driver than an intoxicated driver. After all, drowsy driving is not illegal in the way drunk driving is. Many adults admit to driving on less sleep than they should get. This increases your likelihood of getting involved in a crash with a drowsy driver, too.

Despite having less media attention than some other types of distracted driving, drowsiness is just as big of a killer. If you faced injury after a crash with a drowsy driver, consider contacting a legal expert to discuss your compensation options.