When it comes to driving, New Jersey law considers tired drivers just as dangerous as drunk drivers. Not only can you fall asleep behind the wheel if you have not had enough rest, but your reaction time slows and your decisions may become impaired. We understand how traffic law works as it relates to driving while drowsy and have helped represent many clients facing these charges.
According to the New Jersey Driver Manual, it is illegal to drive a motor vehicle if you know you have not had enough sleep. Under the vehicular homicide statute, driving a motor vehicle while you are drowsy or fatigued counts as reckless driving. One of the best ways to avoid driving while too tired is to take breaks often. If you notice yourself going into a trancelike state while driving, it is a good indication that you should pull over and take a rest.
Additionally, the manual recommends that drivers take breaks every two hours when driving long distances. If possible, share the driving responsibilities with someone else so that you can take breaks while still making progress towards your destination. It is more important to get to your destination safely than it is to get there quickly.
Certain types of drivers are more at risk for drowsy driving than others. Commercial truck drivers, for example, constantly drive long distances and are at risk regularly. Aside from that, young or inexperienced drivers are also at an increased risk since they have less experience on the road. Although anyone who is sleep deprived runs the risk of driving while too tired. For more information on this subject, please visit our page on traffic violations.
