Is drowsy driving just as bad as drunk driving?

You may have heard that driving while tired is just as dangerous as driving under the influence of alcohol. Neither situation is ideal, of course, but what are the risks of each?

Is drowsy driving just as bad as drunk driving in Louisiana?

Legally, no

Although it is unsafe to drive while sleepy, there are no laws that specifically forbid doing so in Louisiana. However, if an officer pulls you over for driving recklessly or running a stoplight as a result of your fatigue, you could get a ticket for that action. Furthermore, a charge of vehicular manslaughter exists for cases where, for example, someone hits and kills a pedestrian because they fell asleep at the wheel.

While these charges are serious, the legal penalties for causing those incidences while under the influence of alcohol are even worse. In Louisiana, you may get a charge of vehicular homicide, and not manslaughter, if you kill someone while driving drunk.

Practically, it can be

When the body feels fatigued, it experiences many of the same effects that the body does with a raised blood alcohol level. These include the inability to concentrate, loss of perception, and forgetfulness. Many studies show that drunk and drowsy driving are both equally dangerous. If you feel that are you not in a position to drive safely, it is always best to get a ride or pull off to the side of the road until you feel better.

Knowing what actions can make driving dangerous allows you to make safer decisions for yourself and your family.