Are you informed about the effects of drowsy driving? If not, keep reading our article and help us spread the word against this risky behavior.
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Drowsy driving refers to the operation of a motor vehicle while being cognitively impaired owing to bad sleeping habits.
If you haven’t slept enough hours, safety advocates recommend to avoid driving or pull off the road safely, and take a proper rest to reenergize instead.
But drowsiness is not as simple and straight-forward as you may assume.
What causes drowsiness while driving?
Drowsy driving is not only associated with a lack of rest, but also linked to other symptoms such as:
- Untreated sleeping disorders.
- Continuous use of medications.
- Alcohol consumption.
- Unpredictable working patterns.
As many people try to complete several tasks as part of their hectic schedules, predicting drowsiness cannot be determined as it varies from person to person.
It is imperative, though, that you remain aware of the risks, dangers, and tragic consequences of drowsy driving.
In principle, drowsiness:
- Reduces concentration while on the road.
- Increases reaction time when handling in-car maneuvers.
- Reduces your ability to make sound decisions on the road.
Get your facts straight about drowsy driving
- According to the Institute of Medicine, more than 70 million Americans suffer from a sleep disorder.
- The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) also reported that drowsy driving was responsible for 72,000 car accidents, 44,000 injuries and 800 deaths in 2013. Yet, other contributions refute these results by adding that drowsy driving causes 6000 fatal car crashes each year.
Who is more vulnerable to drowsy driving?
- Motorists who do not get enough sleep.
- Commercial motorists who must drive large vehicles (trucks or buses) during tough hours.
- Workers who must comply with a difficult work shift, especially working at night.
- People coping with severe sleeping disorders.
- Motorists who take medications that causes sleepiness.
What are the common signs of drowsy driving?
Find below a list of warning signs of drowsy driving that you shouldn’t ignore:
- Yawning or blinking continuously.
- Having difficulties remembering the last few miles driven.
- Missing an exit.
- Swerving between lanes.
- Hitting objects on the side of the road.
While driving can be a challenging a task, it is in your best interest to follow the appropriate steps to be mentally and physically prepared before hitting the road.
Do you know any tip that could help others feel less vulnerable to the negative effects of drowsy driving? Feel free to leave your opinions in the comments below. The more we shared ideas against drowsy driving, the more prepared we will be to tackle this safety issue.
