Q: My job involves shift work and long hours. Sometimes I’m driving home after being awake for 24 hours. If I fell asleep at the wheel would I be considered impaired? Could I get a DUI?
A: In response your first question, yes, you are impaired. But no, you won’t get a DUI for drowsy driving. Washington’s Driving Under the Influence law is written specifically to address drivers under the influence of “intoxicating liquor, marijuana or any drug”. The law has a narrow scope because it addresses a specific issue. That doesn’t mean that a drowsy driver gets a free pass; just that the DUI law is not the right law to counter this problem. Continue reading “Sleepy? Take A Nap (but not while driving)”