Driving drowsy isn’t a crime, but in Georgia, it can lead to serious vehicular offenses, including DUI. 

What is Drowsy Driving?

Drowsy driving is the dangerous combination of driving and sleepiness or fatigue. This usually happens when a driver has not slept enough, but it can also occur due to untreated sleep disorders, medications, drinking alcohol, and shift work. Drowsy drivers may share characteristics with those who are driving under the influence of alcohol. These drivers may engage in similar driving conduct and can even share physical symptoms.

Although frequently used interchangeably, the terms fatigue and sleepiness are vastly different. Fatigue is a more complex phenomenon that may be defined as the decreased capability of doing physical or mental work or the subjective state in which one can no longer perform a task effectively. Sleepiness has a more specific meaning than fatigue, relating to reduced alertness due to increased pressure to fall asleep. It is associated with decrements in vigilance, reaction time, memory, psychomotor coordination, information processing, and decision making.

Drowsy Driving is Impaired Driving

Your body needs adequate sleep daily. The more hours of sleep you miss, the harder it is for you to think and perform. Lack of sleep can make you less alert and affect your coordination, judgment, and reaction time while driving. This is known as cognitive impairment.

According to SleepFoundation.org, drowsy driving is dangerous because sleep deprivation can have similar effects on your body as drinking alcohol. Being awake for 18 hours straight makes you drive like you have a blood alcohol level of .05 (for reference, .08 is considered drunk). If you’ve been awake for a full 24 hours and drive—say, after a night where you just couldn’t fall asleep—it’s like you have a blood alcohol level of .10. Additionally, drowsiness increases the effect of even low amounts of alcohol.

Skilled DUI Lawyer for DUI Charges in Georgia 

If you are charged with a DUI after driving drowsy, having an experienced lawyer on your side can mean the difference between your freedom and jail. Serious criminal charges come with high stakes. Your liberties are in jeopardy, as are your financial and physical freedoms. 

As a sole practitioner, I offer clients skilled, experienced and professional representation at reasonable fees. Contact our Savannah, Georgia, office for a consultation.