Driving while extremely tired and drowsy is a danger for yourself and everyone else on the road. Just behind alcohol related crashes are accidents caused by sleepy drivers behind the wheel.
A tired driver has a slower response time and a decrease in attention. Sleeping drivers usually suffer more serious injuries because they were not in any position to do anything to avoid or prepare for the accident.
Drivers Most Affected
- Shift workers, especially starting a new shift
- Business travelers who have crossed time zones
- Young people, especially males because they often stay up late
- People with an undiagnosed sleep apnea or narcolepsy
- Drinking alcohol and being sleep deprived
- Commercial drivers
Warning Signs Your Too Drowsy to Drive
- Can’t keep your eyes open
- You need to open the window
- Can’t stop yawning
- Turning up the radio
- You feel the need for a gallon mug of coffee
- Your thoughts are wondering
- Slower reaction time
- Having a few seconds of micro sleep
- You don’t recall the last few miles you drove
- Drifting from your lane
- Trouble keeping your head upright (the old neck snap)
- Missing exits
- Not noticing road signs
- Hitting rumble strips
If you notice you are exhibiting any of the above warning signs you should pull off the road as soon as possible. Stopping for a nap, a few hours sleep or for over night is a better plan than trying to soldier on when you are falling asleep behind the wheel.
What Can a Drowsy Driver Do?
- Pull over ASAP at a rest stop, inn or hotel
- Nap for 15-20 minutes (no longer or you’ll feel groggy)
- Coffee may help for an hour or so especially if paired with a nap
Things You Can Do to Prevent Being a Drowsy Driver
- Plan your trip ahead of time and allow for rest breaks
- Be well rested before a long trip
- Stop every few hours to stretch and relax for a few minutes
- Try to avoid driving at a time when you would normally be sleeping
- Drive with a friend who can share the driving
To avoid a drowsy driver, you can stay off the road during the afternoon rush hour and during the evening hours of 10pm to 6am.
Being a drowsy driver is as dangerous as being impaired by alcohol or drugs. If you feel you are about to nod off do the responsible things and get off the road.
Have you ever driven drowsy? Leave your comments below.
