Drowsy Driving vs. Drunk Driving

Although there are clear differences between driving under the influence of alcohol and driving without having slept or rested enough, in California, both behaviors can be classified as reckless driving with the consequent legal sanctions for those who incur this type of practice. A person drives recklessly when he or she knowingly fails to consider his or her safety or the safety of others, is not careful of the rules, or stops to assess the risks and the possible damage to public or private property. Drowsy and fatigued driving can cause a driver to, for example, ignore red traffic lights or traffic signals, drive in zigzags or ride on sidewalks. These actions are considered reckless driving and can be a misdemeanor subject to fines and imprisonment. Similarly, reckless driving while drunk or under the influence of drugs (DUI) also carries more severe penalties. In California, drivers under 21 are prohibited from consuming alcohol. A blood alcohol level equal to or greater than 0.08 indicates that a driver is intoxicated; above 0.16, there is an aggravating factor. Sanctions The punishment for reckless driving depends on the circumstances in which the events occur. It is taken into consideration if people were injured, if there is property damage, if it is the first time that the driver incurs in this type of behavior or if, on the contrary, he is a repeat offender.