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Is Drowsy Driving Worse Than Drunk Driving?

Drowsy driving is the combination of driving when sleepy and usually happens when a driver has not slept enough. This can be a result of an untreated sleep disorder or shift work that is taxing on one’s body. Prescription and over-the-counter medications can also cause drowsiness, as well as alcohol. Causes of Drowsy Driving Alcohol: Drinking alcohol can contribute to drowsy driving and also affects reaction time and decision-making. Sleep Deprivation: A lack of sleep is a major cause of excessive daytime sleepiness, which can cause microsleep or other dangerous driving behavior. Sleep Disorders: Many sleep disorders, such as sleep apnea, cause an individual’s sleep to be restricted and interrupted. Time of Day: Accidents resulting from driving while drowsy happen

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When a distracted driving crash is not an accident

I have seen the extensive damage and loss caused by even one distracted driving crash. “I’m so sorry” or ” I wish I wouldn’t have been on my cellphone” has no purposeful meaning once the damage is done. There is no going back. Sue Lee was a skilled seamstress at a local clothing manufacturer. Her work required focus and attention to detail. She loved her job and her co-workers were like family. During breaks, they traded stories about their children and grandchildren. They enjoyed exchanging recipes. Mrs. Lee looked forward to getting up each day and working with her friends. Her job—and her life— changed in one moment. Early one evening, a commercial driver struck her with his van. He

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Years after distracted driver crash, brain injury lingers

Anthony is in his mid-50’s. He is an entrepreneur with an MBA, and a city council member with a long history of political campaign work. He and his husband, a local surgeon, were well-known for their civic engagement— and their big annual holiday party. Everything changed in an instant. Distracted driver crash in Washington It was late morning on a warm August day in northern Washington State. There was stop-and-go traffic on S. Burlington Boulevard, as construction reduced two lanes down to one. A heavy diesel truck in front of Anthony’s car slowed and stopped. Anthony did the same. Then, he looked into the rearview mirror, and in a split-second, realized the car behind his was not going to

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Why does BMW want drivers to be (even more) distracted?

BMW is integrating Skype for Business into new cars. The features will be integrated into the new BMW series in parts of Europe. Other markets—including the U.S.— should see it soon. “Microsoft Exchange will also integrate calendars, to-do lists and contacts using the car’s voice and navigation systems,” according to the company’s press release. Here’s why this strikes me as incredibly, obviously dangerous. 1. A car is not an office. Cars are “rapidly turning into “mobile office on wheels” said BMW spokesperson Nadja Horn. No, they are not. Your primary task in your office is work. Your primary task in your car is driving. Anything that distracts you from that task is dangerous. This has nothing to do with work ethic, your commitment to your employer, or your ability to

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What will stop texting and driving? Jail time.

The most effective way to stop drivers from texting might be the threat of criminal charges. Texting while driving is illegal in 46 states. (Text messages are not the sole culprit—there are dozens of possible distractions on your smartphone—but only 16 states ban all hand-held devices for drivers.)* You don’t need statistics to know that drivers are constantly breaking this law. Just stand at an intersection on any busy street, and count the number of drivers who are looking down. If the fear of a citation isn’t enough, and fear of a crash isn’t enough, what will stop this dangerous behavior? Texting drivers get charged with manslaughter A driver does not have to intend to kill anyone in order to be guilty of vehicular manslaughter.

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New Washington State distracted driving law: what you need to know

A decade ago, the Washington State distracted driving law was passed – and became one of the first state laws regulating drivers’ cell phone use. Since then, mobile devices have changed dramatically—and distracted driving has become an even bigger problem. On May 16, Washington State Governor Jay Inslee signed Senate Bill 5389: a new, more comprehensive distracted driving law. But he vetoed the section of the bill that put the law into effect on January 1, 2019. Instead, the new distracted driving law will take effect starting in July 2017. Washington State Distracted Driving Law Here’s what you need to know. Old Law No sending, reading or writing text messages while driving No holding the phone to your ear $124 fine Violations do not affect driving record, are

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Is Drowsy Driving Worse Than Drunk Driving?

When a distracted driving crash is not an accident

Years after distracted driver crash, brain injury lingers

Why does BMW want drivers to be (even more) distracted?

What will stop texting and driving? Jail time.

New Washington State distracted driving law: what you need to know

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