Fatigued driving poses significant risks on the road and can result in serious legal consequences. Like in many states, driving while drowsy in Georgia can lead to criminal charges. This is mainly if it results in an accident or reckless driving.
Like driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, driving while excessively tired can impair judgment, reaction time and overall driving ability. This can lead to severe ramifications, especially if it results in harm to others.
Tips to avoid fatigued driving
Getting adequate sleep is the best way to prevent driving while fatigued. Drivers should also avoid taking medications or using drugs that will cause drowsiness. Someone taking a long trip should plan to take breaks to move around, which can increase blood flow to the brain.
Ideally, drivers should limit how many hours they’ll drive each day so they can get a good night’s sleep before getting back on the road. If multiple drivers are in the vehicle, switching out drivers can help extend the time on the road. This only works if each driver can rest and feels well-rested before getting behind the wheel.
Some people believe that using temporary measures can prevent fatigued driving. Things like turning the radio up, drinking coffee, or opening the windows might work as temporary measures to stay awake, but those aren’t effective long-term solutions to combat fatigue. They should only be used long enough to find somewhere safe to stop and sleep for the night.
Criminal implications of fatigued driving
In Georgia, fatigued driving can result in various criminal charges. If a fatigued driver causes an accident, they could face charges such as reckless driving or even involuntary homicide, depending on the severity of the incident.
The penalties for these offenses can range from fines and license suspension to imprisonment. The exact ones a person may face will depend on a case’s specifics, such as the presence of injuries, fatalities or property damage. Because of this, it’s critical to understand one’s exact charges and any possible defense strategy options that might help to mitigate the risk of incurring penalties.
Drivers should always avoid fatigued driving because this is a preventable hazard. Anyone who’s been involved in an accident because they were fatigued should ensure that they understand their rights and options. Whether the matter leads to criminal charges, a civil case or both, they should have someone on their side who can help them to determine how to proceed. Building a strong defense strategy is imperative in these cases.
