Asleep at the Wheel

It is estimated that falling asleep while driving is responsible for at least 100,000 automobile crashes, 71,000 injuries, and 1,500 fatalities. A 2006 National Highway Traffic Safety Administration study showed that drowsiness is a significant problem that can make drivers four times more likely to be in a crash or near-crash.

While drowsy driving is a problem that can affect all drivers, the problem is most prevalent among young drivers, shift workers, and those who work long hours. The majority of drowsy driving-related crashes are caused by drivers who are younger than 25 years. Teens need more sleep than older adults, but they seldom get enough rest. A 2006 poll conducted by the National Sleep Foundation found that over half of teens admit to driving drowsy during the past year, and 15 percent report driving drowsy once per week. Teens also are more inclined to drive at night and during the early morning hours when drowsiness is more likely to occur. Parents can help by making sure their teens are getting enough sleep.

Whether young or old, drowsy drivers are a danger to themselves as well as others on the road. The risks of drowsy driving can be reduced by educating all drivers to watch out for signs of sleepiness at the wheel.

The following is a list of danger signals of drowsy driving:

  • eyes close or go out of focus by themselves;
  • trouble keeping your head up;
  • can’t stop yawning;
  • have disconnected thoughts;
  • can’t remember the last few miles you’ve driven;
  • drifting between lanes, tailgate, or miss traffic signs;
  • keep jerking the car back into the lane; or
  • have drifted off the road and narrowly missed crashing.

The following are 5 suggestions to keep alert behind the wheel:

  1. Be rested – Get enough sleep the night before your trip.
  2. Pick your time – Avoid driving during your body’s downtime when sleep is almost irresistible.
  3. Take a break – Schedule breaks every two hours or 100 miles. Be sure to walk or exercise before continuing your trip, and talk with your passenger.
  4. Make sure both people in the front of the car are awake. A driver who needs to rest should go to the back seat, buckle up, and sleep.
  5. Pull over – If you feel sleepy, pull off the road, find a safe, well-lighted place and sleep. A 15–20 minute nap can be highly restorative.

Nothing takes the place of sleep in preventing a drowsy driving-related crash. Be sure to be well rested before you drive. Most people know how dangerous drinking and driving is; driving drowsy can be just as fatal as driving drunk. Drive Alert…Arrive Alive.

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Last updated: 26 July, 2010

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