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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🛈 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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