Can Drowsy Driving Lead to a DUI?

drowsy DrivingThe Dangers of Drowsy Driving.

An increasing number of people are driving while drowsy in the United States. In 2017, drowsy driving led to 800 fatalities, 50,000 injuries, and 91,000 collisions according to the NHTSA.

Driving while drowsy is a lot like driving while intoxicated, and both cause the following to occur:

  • The driver cannot react quickly in order to avoid a collision.
  • The motorist has a difficult time keeping his eyes on the road.
  • The driver is unable to make the best decisions.
  • Drowsy Driving Is Just Like Drunk Driving.
  • If you go without sleep for a period of 21 hours, research has shown that this is just like driving with a blood alcohol content of .08%. It is illegal to drive in Pennsylvania with a BAC of .08%.
  • If you have not had enough sleep, you are likely to experience the following:
  • Being unaware of how far you have driven.
  • Feeling as if you are irritated or restless.
  • Passing the street you meant to take.
  • Yawning or rubbing your eyes constantly.
  • Tailgating or failing to remain in your lane.
  • Being unable to focus on the task of driving.
  • Having difficulties keeping your head up.
  • Having trouble keeping your eyes open.

DUI Defense

If you are charged with a DUI when you were instead driving while drowsy, the best thing that you can do is hire an attorney right after you are arrested. Some State College law firms such as Engle, Kauffman & VanHorn handle many DUI cases. Such firms have extensive experience defending those arrested and charged with driving under the influence.

Mounting a successful DUI defense in Pennsylvania requires that your attorney be educated about field sobriety tests. Field sobriety tests are often found to be unreliable, so your attorney needs to be able to contest the results of these tests. Our criminal defense attorneys will go to court with you and defend you against these charges.

  • Those at Risk of Falling Asleep at the Wheel.
  • Several people are at risk of falling asleep at the wheel, including the following:
  • Those who work the night shift or particularly long hours.
  • Those who take certain medications.
  • Truck drivers who are required to travel long hours and are often concerned about getting their loads to their destinations on time.
  • Those who take long road trips.
  • Those with undiagnosed sleep disorders.

Hire an Attorney

If you need an experienced State College PA criminal law attorney, contact us at the law firm of Engle Kauffman & VanHorn. A DUI is a very serious charge, and it can cause your driver’s license to be suspended. Do not face this problem all by yourself. We are here to develop a strong defense that will bring about the best possible outcome for you.