Your Guide on Drowsy Driving & Car Accidents in Washington

Drowsy driving can have the same negative consequences as drunk driving. For your safety and the safety of others, always pull off the road if you start to feel tired behind the wheel.

Drowsy driving is more than just a momentary lapse in attention; it’s a serious safety risk with consequences that can be as deadly as drunk or distracted driving. In Washington State, where long commutes, early morning shifts, and cross-state trucking are common, drowsy driving poses a growing threat on our roads. Here’s what you need to know about the causes, consequences, and legal implications of drowsy driving accidents in Washington.

What Is Drowsy Driving?

Drowsy driving refers to operating a vehicle while fatigued or sleepy. This condition impairs a driver’s alertness, reaction time, and decision-making, similar to alcohol impairment. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), drowsy driving causes thousands of accidents annually, many of which go underreported.

Key signs of drowsy driving include:

Frequent yawning or blinking
Trouble keeping eyes open or head up
Difficulty remembering the last few miles driven
Drifting from your lane
Missing exits or traffic signs

How Serious Is the Problem in Washington?

Drowsy driving is a documented factor in many serious collisions across Washington. The Washington Traffic Safety Commission (WTSC) identifies fatigue as a contributing factor in hundreds of crashes each year. Yakima County, home to long stretches of rural roads and a significant agricultural labor force, is especially vulnerable.

While exact data on drowsy driving is hard to isolate (because it relies heavily on self-reporting), Washington’s collision reports include a “fatigue/asleep” checkbox, which is often used when law enforcement suspects a driver fell asleep at the wheel or was too tired to operate safely.

Who’s Most at Risk?

Some groups are more likely to experience drowsy driving:

Shift workers (especially those working overnight or long shifts)
Commercial drivers on long-haul routes
Young drivers with irregular sleep schedules
Parents of young children
People with untreated sleep disorders like sleep apnea
Drivers taking sedating medications

Even drivers with no underlying sleep conditions can be at risk after a night of poor sleep or extended wakefulness.

Washington State Laws on Drowsy Driving

Washington does not have a specific law titled “Drowsy Driving.” However, existing traffic and negligence laws can still be used to hold drowsy drivers accountable:

1. Negligent Driving (RCW 46.61.525)

A fatigued driver who causes a crash may be charged with negligent driving, especially if their behavior shows disregard for the safety of others. Penalties can include fines and points on a license.

2. Duty of Care & Civil Liability

Under personal injury law, drivers owe others a duty of care. A drowsy driver who causes an accident may be found negligent, making them liable for damages such as medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

3. Collision Reporting Requirements (.030)

If a drowsy driver is involved in a crash that causes injury or property damage over $1,000, they must report the collision to law enforcement. Failure to do so can result in license suspension.

4. Commercial Driver Regulations

Commercial truck drivers are bound by federal Hours of Service (HOS) rules, which limit how long they can drive without rest. Violation of these rules in Washington can result in both criminal penalties and civil liability for any resulting crash.

What to Do If You’re Hit by a Drowsy Driver in Washington

If you suspect that the driver who hit you was asleep or fatigued, there are several steps to take:

Call 911 immediately.
Even if injuries seem minor, an official report can be vital for your case.
Tell the officer if you noticed signs of drowsy driving.
These may include swerving, delayed braking, or the driver admitting they were tired.
Gather evidence.
Take photos of the scene, get witness statements, and note the time of day, which can support a fatigue-related claim.
Seek medical attention.
Even if you feel okay, injuries like concussions or whiplash can develop hours later.
Consult a personal injury attorney.
An experienced accident lawyer can help you pursue damages and work with experts to prove driver fatigue.

Proving Fatigue in a Legal Claim

One of the most challenging aspects of drowsy driving cases is proving the driver was fatigued. Unlike alcohol, there’s no breath test for sleepiness. However, lawyers can build strong cases using:

Surveillance or dashcam footage showing erratic driving
Work or driving logs (especially for commercial drivers)
Cell phone or GPS data showing how long the driver had been on the road
Medical records indicating sleep disorders
Witness testimony (e.g., statements like “he said he hadn’t slept in 24 hours”)

Damages You Can Recover

If a drowsy driver caused your crash, you may be entitled to:

Medical expenses (hospital bills, therapy, medication)
Lost income (including future earnings)
Pain and suffering
Property damage
Punitive damages (in rare, extreme cases of gross negligence)

Insurance & Comparative Fault

Washington is a comparative fault state. This means that if the drowsy driver claims you were partially responsible, your compensation may be reduced by your percentage of fault.

If the driver is uninsured or underinsured, your own policy’s UIM coverage (Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist) may cover your losses. This is one reason why carrying UIM is strongly recommended in Washington.

Preventing Drowsy Driving in Washington

To stay safe on Washington’s roads, keep these tips in mind:

Get at least 7–8 hours of sleep before a long trip
Avoid driving during your body’s “sleep window” (midnight–6 AM)
Take breaks every 2 hours or 100 miles
Switch drivers if you’re not alone
Avoid sedating medications
Use rest areas, especially on long drives across Eastern Washington

Washington State has numerous designated rest stops along I-90 and I-82, which are ideal for power naps and short breaks.

Working with Trusted Car Accident Attorneys in Yakima

Drowsy driving may not get the headlines that drunk driving does, but its dangers are just as real. Whether you’re commuting home late or heading across the state, make rest a priority. And if someone else’s fatigue changes your life, know that Washington law is on your side, and so are we.

Contact the car accident attorneys at Abeyta Nelson today by calling 509-575-1588 for your free consultation.