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Drowsy driving is a silent but serious issue on California roads. Many people underestimate how deadly it can be to drive while fatigued.
At BANA LAW, we have seen first-hand the damage that drowsy drivers can cause—both financially and emotionally. Below, we’ll discuss what drowsy driving is, how it happens, and what you can do if you’re involved in an accident caused by a sleepy driver.
Why Is Drowsy Driving So Dangerous?
When a driver is tired, they lose the sharp focus needed to react quickly. They might miss traffic signals, fail to hit the brakes in time, or even wander into other lanes. In extreme cases, a drowsy driver may nod off at the wheel.
According to California courts in Cooper v. Kellogg (2 Cal. 2d 504) and Morrison v. Townley (269 Cal. App. 2d 863), falling asleep at the wheel can be seen as negligence—or even gross negligence—depending on the driver’s behavior and warnings they ignored.
What Counts as Drowsy Driving in California?
Drowsy driving happens when a person operates a vehicle despite being dangerously tired. They may know or should know they’re at risk of dozing off, but keep driving anyway.
For instance:
- A driver who stayed up all night and then decides to drive several hours
- A shift worker returning home early in the morning, barely able to keep their eyes open
- A truck driver pushing to meet tight deadlines despite extreme fatigue
In Stotts v. Blickle (220 Cal. 225), the court found that a driver who knew they were tired and chose to keep going could be considered grossly negligent.
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How Does Drowsy Driving Compare to DUI?
Drinking and driving are widely recognized as dangerous. But did you know that driving while exhausted can be just as risky? Both involve a driver whose abilities are impaired. Even though laws primarily focus on alcohol or drug impairment, drowsy drivers pose a similar threat. While there isn’t a legal “fatigue limit” the same way there’s a Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) limit for drunk driving, the courts still treat fatigue as a form of negligence if it leads to an accident.
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Who Is Liable in a California Drowsy Driving Accident?
A person who drives while knowingly tired can be liable if they cause a crash. Under California law, negligence means failing to exercise the care a reasonable person would use. If the driver had signs like drooping eyelids, frequent yawning, or drifting across lanes, they should have pulled over. If they ignored these signs, a court might find them responsible for damages.
In Cooper v. Kellogg, the Supreme Court of California noted that whether drowsy driving is simply “ordinary negligence” or “gross negligence” depends on the facts. Gross negligence involves an “entire failure to exercise care,” such as a driver continuing on a long journey after repeatedly nodding off at the wheel.
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Can a Driver Claim They Had No Warning?
Sometimes, a driver might say they didn’t realize they were about to fall asleep. However, California courts, like in Morrison v. Townley, explain that a person who “momentarily dozes off” and keeps on driving can be found guilty of willful misconduct if they had any warning of sleepiness. Evidence that they skipped rest, used medication that causes drowsiness, or noticed themself swerving earlier in the trip can show they should have known better.
What Types of Injuries Are Common in Drowsy Driving Crashes?
Drowsy driving accidents often happen at high speeds because the driver fails to brake or steer away in time.
This can result in serious injuries like:
- Head Trauma or Brain Injuries: When a driver doesn’t react, collisions can be especially severe, leading to concussions or more serious brain damage.
- Spinal Cord Injuries: Sudden impact may cause harmful force to the back or neck.
- Broken Bones: The force of a high-speed crash can lead to fractures in arms, legs, or ribs.
- Whiplash and Neck Pain: Without braking, the crash force can jerk the head back and forth.
- Emotional Trauma: Car accidents can cause anxiety, PTSD, or depression, especially if injuries are severe.
What Legal Consequences Can a Drowsy Driver Face in California?
From a civil standpoint, if someone’s negligence (like driving while very sleepy) causes injury or property damage, the victim can file a lawsuit. Damages might include medical bills, property repair costs, lost income, and pain and suffering. In extreme cases where a driver’s behavior is deemed grossly negligent or willful, the court might award punitive damages to punish such reckless conduct.
How Do Courts View Drowsy Driving Claims?
California courts do not require a specific driving statute to be violated. Instead, they look at whether the driver exercised the standard of care a responsible person would have used. If the driver had reasons to believe they’d fall asleep—like multiple close calls or prior knowledge they were extremely tired—continuing to drive anyway can be viewed as negligence.
In Cooper v. Kellogg, the court explained that whether the driver acted with an “entire failure to exercise care” is often a question for the jury. That means the details matter: Did the driver stop for coffee? Did they roll down a window to stay alert? Did they keep going despite nearly nodding off earlier?
Can Drowsy Driving Lead to Criminal Charges in California?
While drowsy driving alone isn’t a crime in the way drunk driving is, it can still lead to severe legal consequences if a crash results in serious injuries or death. If a jury decides the driver showed a high level of recklessness, charges like vehicular manslaughter might come into play. Even if not charged criminally, the driver can face civil penalties or lose their license if the authorities believe their actions pose a serious public danger.
Contact Our California Car Accident Lawyers if You’ve Been Hurt By a Drowsy Driver
If you or a loved one has been hurt by a drowsy driver, don’t wait. Contact our California car accident lawyers today by calling 855-997-6599 to learn about your legal options and how we can help you seek justice.
Every day you wait makes it harder to collect evidence and build a strong case. Let us put our experience to work for you so you can focus on recovery while we handle the rest. Remember, you deserve fair compensation—and our California car accident attorneys are here to make sure you get it.
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