The Danger of Drowsy Driving

What is Drowsy Driving?

Drowsy driving is driving when deprived of sleep, usually when a driver has not slept enough or drives long stretches without rest.

Drowsy driving is an underestimated yet serious problem on our highways, posing a significant risk to all road users. U

Understanding who is at risk, how to prepare for a long trip, and how to prevent drowsy driving can reduce many accidents.

Who is at Risk?

Have you ever wondered why the graduated driver-licensing program does not allow teenagers to drive alone late at night?

One important reason is the danger of falling asleep behind the wheel.

Young people between 16 and 29 are the most likely to be involved in drowsy driving and fall-asleep crashes.

Here are the groups that are most at risk for drowsy driving:

• Young drivers: Those aged 16-29, particularly young men, are at higher risk due to irregular sleep patterns and lifestyle choices.
• Shift workers: Those with non-standard work hours, like night shifts or rotating shifts, disrupt natural sleep rhythms, increasing drowsiness.
• Commercial drivers: Operating vehicles like trucks, buses, and tow trucks for extended periods can lead to fatigue.
• People with sleep disorders: Conditions like sleep apnea and insomnia significantly contribute to drowsiness.
• Medication users: Some medications have side effects that induce drowsiness, affecting driving ability.
• Impaired drivers: Alcohol consumption increases the risk of drowsy driving.
• Drivers driving long stretches: Long trips and inadequate rest stops also contribute to drowsy driving.

Before You Embark on a Long Trip

Here are some helpful tips before making a long trip:

• Get adequate sleep: Ensure a good night’s sleep, ideally for two consecutive nights before the trip. But even napping before a long drive may help make up for sleep loss in the short term.
• Avoid alcohol and drugs: Avoid drinking alcohol the night before your trip. The combination of alcohol and sleepiness makes you a hazardous driver, even at low levels of alcohol use.
• Eat lightly: A heavy meal before you start can make you drowsy.
• Plan your trip: Don’t drive late at night when you usually sleep. Most crashes occur between midnight and 6 a.m.
• Arrange for a driving buddy: Share driving responsibilities with a companion to allow time for rest.

When You are on the Road

• Recognize the signs of drowsy driving: Frequent yawning, heavy eyelids, and drifting from your lane are warning signs. As soon as you feel tired, stop and rest.
• Take breaks: Break down long drives into manageable segments, and schedule breaks every two hours or 100 miles. Pull over to a safe location and take a short nap (15-20 minutes) if you feel drowsy.
• Use rest areas: Utilize rest stops to stretch, refresh, and take a break from the monotony of driving.
• Stay hydrated and eat healthily: Dehydration and heavy meals can increase fatigue. Opt for light, nutritious snacks and stay hydrated. Drink coffee if you feel tired. Caffeine, even in low doses, significantly improves alertness in sleepy drivers.
• Stay alert: Don’t stare at the road directly in front of your vehicle. Keep alert by shifting your eyes and scanning your surroundings. Open a window to get fresh air.

Watch for Signs of Sleepiness

The most significant signs of drowsy driving include:

• Frequent yawning and blinking: Excessive yawning and frequent blinking are common signs of fatigue.
• Difficulty keeping eyes open: Struggling to keep your eyes open or having heavy eyelids indicates drowsiness.
• Wandering thoughts: Difficulty focusing on the road or having disconnected thoughts.
• Missing exits or traffic signs: If you miss a turn or an exit or fail to notice traffic signs, it may be due to drowsiness.
• Drifting from your lane: Unintentionally drifting from your lane or hitting the rumble strip on the side of the road.
• Trouble remembering the last few miles driven: If you can’t recall the last few miles you’ve driven or how you got to your current location, it’s a sign of drowsy driving.
• Restlessness: Feeling restless, irritable, or aggressive while driving can also be a symptom of fatigue.
• Slowed reactions: If you have difficulty reacting to driving conditions or actions of other drivers, pull off the road.
• Microsleeps: Experiencing brief moments of sleep or loss of consciousness, even for a few seconds, is especially dangerous.
• Other physical symptoms: Head nodding, blurred vision, or difficulty keeping your head up.

Recognizing these signs is crucial for ensuring safety on the road. If you experience any of these symptoms, it’s important to stop driving and rest.

Don’t keep driving or try to fight sleepiness. You put yourself and others at serious risk.

Read More

• Ways to Prevent a Fatigue Related Crash While Driving
• NHTSA – Drowsy Driving
• Crashes Related to Drowsy Driving

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