DROWSY DRIVING CAN BE DEADLY
Drowsy driving is a dangerous behavior that can result in serious injury or death. But despite the risks, drowsy driving is far too prevalent. Drowsy driving is estimated to contribute to as many as 1.2 million collisions, resulting in potentially 5,000 to 8,000 fatalities per year. According to the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety 2015 Traffic Safety Culture Index, one in three drivers (31.5%) admitted to driving within the prior 30 days when they were so tired that they had trouble keeping their eyes open.
WARNING SIGNS
Driving while drowsy delays reaction speed, decreases concentration, and impairs judgment. Adults typically need seven to eight hours of quality sleep per night to feel well-rested and ready for the road. However, you should still be mindful of periods in the day when people are most likely to feel sleepy. These periods typically occur from 2 PM to 6 PM and from midnight to 6 AM.
Warning signs of drowsy driving include:
- Having trouble focusing and/or keeping your eyes open;
- The inability to keep your head up;
- Daydreaming or experiencing wandering, disconnected thoughts;
- Tailgating, drifting out of your lane, or swerving off the road;
- Yawning frequently or rubbing your eyes repeatedly;
- Disregard for traffic signs;
- Accidentally missing your turns or interstate exits;
- Feeling irritable or restless;
- Inability to remember the distance(s) you traveled;
- Forgetting the landmarks you passed.
PREVENTION TIPS
Take a break. Drive awake. Sleep is the only remedy for drowsy driving. According to the Network of Employers for Traffic Safety, drivers who sleep less than five hours per night are six times more likely to be involved in a drowsy-driving-related crash than drivers who get eight or more hours of sleep.
Tips to help prevent drowsy driving:
- Aim for at least seven hours of quality sleep every night to ensure you are ready to get behind the wheel. Quality sleep promotes concentration, focused attention, and decision-making and problem solving, and is an important factor for driving performance.
- If you become sleepy while driving, then find a safe, legal location to pullover and rest for at least 30 minutes. Physical activity can also provide a natural boost of energy. Rolling down the window, raising the radio volume, turning up the AC, and/or consuming caffeine cannot cure drowsiness. Take a break to rest and recharge with exercise.
- During long trips, schedule a break for every two hours or 100 miles to stretch and move around.
- Do not drive alone. Vehicles in which the driver is accompanied by a passenger are nearly 50% less likely to be involved in a drowsy-driving-related crash. Ask your passenger to monitor you for signs of fatigue, or take turns driving.