DROWSY

Drowsy

Drowsy driving or falling asleep at the wheel, is, needless to say, extremely dangerous. The effects are similar to drunk driving.

Causes of drowsiness:

Lack of sleep.
Fatigue.
Tiredness.

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Susceptible Group:

Teens.
Shift workers.
Extended hours workers.
Commercial drivers.
Business travelers.
Sleep disorders.

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Preventative Measures:

Open windows to get some fresh air.
Stop, climb out vehicle and walk around a bit if safe to do so.
Chewing gum helps for wakefulness.
Avoid alcohol.
Avoid high sleep periods, between midnight and 6am.
Improve Sleep Hygiene (Sleep Foundation):
Consistent bedtimes.
Optimize your sleep pace.
Keep portable electronics out the room.
Avoid caffeine and alcohol before bed.
Don't stew in bed.
Practice healthy habits.
Talk to a doctor if problems arise.

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? What is the best thing to do when you feel drowsy while driving

If you feel drowsy while driving, it's crucial to take immediate action to ensure your safety and the safety of others on the road. Here are the best steps to follow:

Find a Safe Location to Pull Over: Look for a safe place to pull over, such as a rest area, parking lot, or the side of the road. It's important to choose a location away from traffic where you can park your vehicle safely.
Take a Break: Once you have stopped, get out of the vehicle and take a short nap or rest. Even a 20-minute power nap can help alleviate drowsiness and improve your alertness. If you're unable to nap, simply relaxing outside the vehicle for a few minutes can also be helpful.
Consume Caffeine: If you need a quick boost to help you stay awake, consume caffeine. Coffee or energy drinks can provide temporary alertness, but keep in mind that the effects are temporary, and it's not a long-term solution.
Stretch and Move: Engage in light physical activity, such as stretching or walking, to stimulate blood flow and increase alertness. Moving your body can help combat drowsiness.
Avoid Drowsy Driving Hours: If possible, plan your trips during times when you are most alert and less likely to feel drowsy. Avoid driving during the late-night hours when drowsiness tends to be more prevalent.
Get Sufficient Rest: Prioritize getting an adequate amount of sleep each night. Fatigue and lack of sleep are major contributors to drowsy driving. Make sure you are well-rested before embarking on long journeys.
Share Driving Responsibilities: If you have a travel companion who is licensed and well-rested, consider taking turns driving. Sharing the driving responsibilities can help prevent drowsiness and ensure that someone alert is behind the wheel at all times.

It's important to remember that drowsy driving is extremely dangerous and can be as impairing as driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. If you consistently struggle with drowsiness while driving, it's advisable to consult a healthcare professional to address any underlying sleep disorders or other health issues that may contribute to excessive daytime sleepiness.

Always prioritize your safety and the safety of others on the road. If you're feeling drowsy, it's best to pull over and rest until you are fully alert and capable of driving safely.

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💡 Drowsy driver safety tips

Drowsy driving is a serious safety hazard, often leading to accidents and fatalities. Here are some practical safety tips to help prevent drowsy driving:

Before You Drive

Get Adequate Sleep: Ensure you get 7-9 hours of sleep each night, especially before a long drive.
Avoid Alcohol and Sedatives: Alcohol and sedative medications can increase drowsiness, so avoid them before driving.
Plan Your Trip: Schedule breaks every 2 hours or 100 miles when planning long drives. Plan for rest stops and overnight stays if necessary.
Check Your Medications: Be aware of any medications you are taking that may cause drowsiness and discuss alternatives with your doctor if needed.
Eat Well: Eat a balanced meal before driving. Avoid heavy or sugary foods that can lead to energy crashes.

During the Drive

Take Regular Breaks: Stop and rest every 2 hours or 100 miles, even if you don’t feel tired. Stretch, walk around, and get some fresh air.
Share the Driving: If possible, share driving duties with another person. This allows each driver to rest periodically.
Stay Hydrated: Drink water regularly to stay hydrated. Dehydration can contribute to fatigue.
Avoid Heavy Meals: Eating a large meal can make you feel sleepy. Opt for lighter snacks and meals.
Use Caffeine Wisely: Caffeine can help increase alertness in the short term. Drink coffee or caffeinated beverages, but be aware that the effects can wear off.
Engage Your Mind: Listen to engaging music, audiobooks, or podcasts to keep your mind active.
Recognize the Signs of Drowsiness: Know the warning signs: frequent yawning, heavy eyelids, difficulty focusing, drifting from your lane, and not remembering the last few miles driven.

If You Feel Drowsy

Pull Over Safely: If you notice signs of drowsiness, find a safe place to pull over and rest. Do not continue driving.
Take a Short Nap: A 15-20 minute nap can help restore alertness. Ensure your vehicle is parked in a safe and secure location.
Get Out and Stretch: Physical activity, such as walking around your car and stretching, can help increase alertness.
Use Alertness Aids: Consider using products like alertness monitors that can help detect signs of drowsiness and prompt you to take a break.

Long-Term Strategies

Maintain a Regular Sleep Schedule: Go to bed and wake up at the same time every day to help regulate your body's sleep-wake cycle.
Practice Good Sleep Hygiene: Create a restful sleep environment: keep your bedroom dark, cool, and quiet. Avoid screens before bedtime.
Consult a Doctor: If you have persistent issues with sleepiness, consult a healthcare professional. Conditions like sleep apnea or chronic insomnia can significantly affect driving safety.
Educate Yourself and Others: Raise awareness about the dangers of drowsy driving among family and friends.

Conclusion

Preventing drowsy driving is crucial for your safety and the safety of others on the road. By following these tips, you can reduce the risk of accidents caused by fatigue and ensure a safer driving experience. Always prioritize rest and recognize the signs of drowsiness to avoid putting yourself and others in danger.

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🛈 Statistics on drowsiness (Bankrate)

In 2020, there were 633 traffic fatalities caused by drowsy driving-related crashes. (NHTSA)
The majority of drowsy-driving crashes happen between midnight and 6 a.m., or in the late-afternoon hours. (NHTSA)
1 in 25 drivers admit to falling asleep behind the wheel. (CDC)
Driving drowsy and driving drunk have similar effects. Driving after more than 20 hours without sleep is estimated to be the equivalent of driving with a BAC of 0.08 percent. (NSC)
Data shows that you are three times more likely to be in a car accident if you are fatigued. (NSC)
Fatigue-related crashes resulting in injuries or fatalities cost more than $100 billion annually, which does not include the cost of property damage. (NSC)
Drowsy driving accounts for about 100,000 crashes annually on the roadway, 71,000 injuries and 1,550 fatalities each year. (AAA Foundation)
An estimated 96 percent of drivers say that drowsy driving is very or extremely dangerous. However, less than 30 percent of drivers think drowsy drivers are at risk of getting pulled over by law enforcement. (AAA Foundation)
About 24 percent of drivers have admitted to driving while being so fatigued that they struggled to keep their eyes open, at least once in the past 30 days. (AAA Foundation)
In 2019, more than 1,200 drivers who were involved in fatal crashes reported being drowsy, which accounted for about 2.4 percent of all fatal accidents. (Triple-I)

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