Drowsy Driving And You

October 19, 2022

From DUIs to texting while driving, we know these carry serious consequences when out on the road. However, an often overlooked danger on the road is being tired behind the wheel. We break down the dangers of drowsy driving and what you can do if you find yourself involved in a drowsy driving-related legal matter.


What Is Drowsy Driving?

Drowsy driving can be defined as falling asleep behind the wheel or having trouble staying awake while driving. It’s also called “being sleepy at the wheel” or “driving while impaired by fatigue.” You can get into trouble if you drive so tired that your attention is impaired—even if you don't fall asleep entirely behind the wheel!

Are There Specific State Laws For Drowsy Driving?

Yes. Drowsy driving is a severe problem, and many states have laws that pertain to it. Some of these laws are specific to drowsy driving, while others are more general but still address the issue of fatigued drivers on the roadways. In New Jersey, the state has criminalized "drowsy-driving," which means operating a vehicle.


You may be wondering how this applies to her in Pennsylvania under Title 75 § 3714 of Pennsylvania State law; you can be charged for drowsy driving, as it is categorized similarly to careless driving. Depending on the accident's severity caused by being asleep behind the wheel, you can look at a fine or even possible jail time.

Can Drowsy Driving Get You Arrested?

Drowsiness is not a crime but depends entirely on the context. However, if you're suspected of driving while drowsy, that may be grounds for arrest by the police. Various factors determine whether or not someone will be arrested for driving under the influence (DUI). For example, if you are pulled over and suspected of being intoxicated, and the police ask you to take a breathalyzer test and refuse, they can arrest you on those grounds.


Similarly, if you're too tired to drive safely, officers may decide that your ability to drive safely has been compromised enough to warrant an arrest. The only way out at this point is to prove that there were no adverse effects on your ability to operate a motor vehicle when pulled over. If so, then they will likely let you go without further consequences. Although this is not worth risking, depending on the officer, you may face additional charges that can easily be prevented with a quick nap.

What are the penalties for a conviction of drowsy driving?

In the worst-case scenario, you could be charged with vehicular manslaughter or other crimes. This can lead to fines, jail time, and a loss of your driver's license. In addition to these penalties, many other consequences come with being convicted of drowsy driving—such as increased insurance rates and legal fees.


Legal Help

In some cases, a driver can avoid jail time. However, this is only if the attorney can prove that their client wasn't willfully negligent in operating their vehicle while tired or drowsy. This can be difficult because many people don’t realize they are driving while tired or drowsy until after police officers have pulled them over.


A skilled attorney will know how to use evidence from both sides of your case and present it in court to achieve the best outcome possible. They may also be able to negotiate with prosecutors on your behalf before charges are formally filed against you, which could reduce the severity of any penalties associated with these charges.

If you are facing a drowsy driving charge, your best bet is to hire an experienced attorney. A skilled attorney can help you understand the charges against you and the legal process and help with any plea bargain negotiations. They can also help with court processes and procedures, which can be intimidating for someone who has never been in this kind of situation before.

Suppose you want to ensure that your rights are protected throughout the process and reduce your chances of being unfairly charged for a crime.

At Slusser Law Firm we are ready to fight on your behalf to get you the justice you deserve. Whether you have been unfairly charged with a crime or need help filing claims, our offices are open. So give our team a call today at :Sub:Phone} to schedule your initial consultation.

January 20, 2025
The holidays are a time to hit the road and visit loved ones, but winter weather doesn’t always make things easy. Snow, ice, and long road trips can lead to accidents, especially when you’re driving through unfamiliar areas. Getting in an accident is already stressful – and being far from home can make it even more complicated. Here’s what you need to know if you find yourself in an accident while traveling out of town – and how Slusser Law Firm can help. Focus on safety first If you’re in an accident, especially in winter conditions, take a moment to check that everyone in your car is safe. Move to a safer location if possible, especially on icy roads where other drivers might be having a hard time stopping. Call emergency services if anyone is injured, and get medical attention as soon as possible if you need it. Health comes first. Collect important details Documenting the accident is key – no matter where you are. Take photos of the accident scene, road conditions, and vehicle damage. Exchange insurance and contact information with the other driver(s) involved, if any, and get the names and contact details of any witnesses. Know your rights – even out of state Here’s where things get a bit more complicated: If you’re in an accident outside of Pennsylvania, different state laws might come into play. Insurance rules, deadlines for reporting injuries, and liability laws can vary from state to state. While it may sound overwhelming, Slusser Law Firm is here to help you navigate these complexities and make sure you’re covered, even when things aren’t straightforward. Don’t wait to reach out for help After an accident, especially if you’re away from home, you may feel unsure about what to do next. Give us a call. We’ve got experience handling out-of-town cases, and we’ll walk you through every step to make sure your rights are protected. Our team is here to answer your questions and give you peace of mind during the holidays. Dealing with an accident far from home doesn’t have to be a headache. At Slusser Law Firm, we make sure that you’re well-informed and fully supported, no matter where you are. With our help, you can focus on what matters most this season: spending time with family, recovering, and enjoying the holiday spirit. If you have questions about holiday travel safety, accident claims, or anything in between, don’t hesitate to reach out. We’re available 24/7 to help you stay prepared and protected.
January 13, 2025
If you're like most people, car insurance terms can feel like a different language. Insurance companies love to push "limited tort" because it’s cheaper – they say it’ll save you money now. But what they don’t tell you is that it could cost you way more in the long run if you ever get hurt in an accident. Let’s break it down.  What’s the difference between full tort and limited tort? Full Tort: This option lets you claim compensation for all of your losses, pain and suffering included, if you’re injured in an accident. Think of it as a full-access pass to the benefits you’re paying for. Limited Tort: Sure, it might lower your monthly premium, but there’s a big catch. With limited tort, you’re generally limited in what you can recover. You may still be able to claim for medical bills, but pain and suffering? Not so much. Unless your injuries are classified as “serious” – and proving that can be a tall order – you’re out of luck. Why full tort is worth it Look, I get it. Insurance can get expensive, and limited tort seems like a quick way to save. But here’s the reality: car accidents can be life-changing. Medical bills, lost work, the pain – all of it adds up. If you go with limited tort, you could be left with bills that far outweigh the savings you pocketed upfront. When you’re paying for full tort, you’re investing in peace of mind. If the worst happens, you’ve got the flexibility to pursue compensation that truly reflects what you’re going through. Let’s make it real Imagine this: You’re hit in a collision that wasn’t your fault. You have some injuries – maybe a few fractures and weeks of painful recovery. But since you have limited tort, getting compensated for the emotional and physical toll might not be in the cards. Full tort? You’d be covered for those losses. It’s the difference between getting only some of what you need versus being fully supported. So, what should you do? If you’re serious about protecting yourself, go with full tort. You’ll pay a bit more upfront, but the benefits if you’re ever in an accident are worth every penny. It’s like wearing a helmet when you ride a motorcycle – you hope you’ll never need it, but you’ll be grateful it’s there if you do. At Slusser Law Firm, your fight is our fight, and we're here to help you understand your options and make sure you’re fully protected. If you have questions about car insurance choices, personal injury cases, or anything else, feel free to reach out. We’re always happy to chat 24/7 and make these big decisions feel a little less daunting.
January 6, 2025
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