What negative effect on driving is associated with being 24 hours awake?

Being awake for 24 hours can severely impair cognitive functions and reaction times, similar to being under the influence of alcohol. Research indicates that the level of impairment after being awake for such an extended period is comparable to having a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of approximately 0.10. This level is significantly above the legal limit for driving in most places, indicating that the risk of accidents increases substantially due to decreased attention and slower response times.

Driving while fatigued at this level of impairment can lead to dangerous mistakes, such as delayed braking or failure to notice critical traffic signals and hazards. The effects of sleep deprivation on driving performance emphasize the importance of being well-rested before operating a vehicle. Understanding this correspondence helps underline the serious risks associated with both fatigue and alcohol consumption while driving.