Is It Illegal to Drive When You Are Tired?

By The Husband and Wife Law Team on December 30, 2017

Many people ask us, “Is it illegal to drive when you are tired?” While the short answer is no, it is a bit more complicated than that. Fatigued drivers are often found at fault for car accidents because they fail to obey traffic rules or fail to yield to other cars.

A recent study by the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety determined that drivers who are fatigued are much more likely to cause car accidents than drivers who are awake and alert. The study also found that one in six drowsy drivers is at fault for fatal accidents.

What Causes Drowsy Driving?

Drowsy drivers typically have less sleep than alert drivers. They may have stayed up late or woke up early, giving them less sleep than their body needs. They may also have been driving for long hours, decreasing their alertness and focus.

However, many people don’t know the role antihistamines and opioids can play in drowsy driving. Both over-the-counter and prescription medications can cause drowsiness, fatigue, lack of focus, blurry vision, fogginess, delayed reactions, and more. All of these contribute to dangerous and possibly fatal driving conditions.

Opioid abuse is becoming more and more prevalent and contributing to more accidents in the state of Arizona. The drugs can cause dangerous and even fatal health problems for opioid abusers. They can also create drowsy driving and lead to deadly car accidents.

Where Do Drowsy Driving Accidents Occur?

Drowsy driving accidents can occur anywhere and at any time of the day. Some drivers are fatigued during early morning hours while others may experience fatigue later in the afternoon after a long workday or late at night.

It’s possible to encounter drowsy drivers on the freeway who are traveling long distances without stopping to take a break. If you notice a vehicle swerving or driving erratically, avoid it and alert authorities when you can safely pull over.

You might also encounter fatigued drivers exiting a sports stadium after a late game. Use extra caution late at night in high-traffic areas around the University of Phoenix stadium off Cardinals Drive in Glendale, or Chase Field and Talking Stick Resort Arena off Jefferson Street.

Jefferson Street also has a large quantity of bars, where there is a possibility of encountering both drowsy and intoxicated drivers. Use caution late at night and practice defensive driving skills. If you were injured in a car accident due to a drowsy driver, we can help. Call Breyer Law Offices, P.C., at (602) 457-6222 for a free consultation.