Drowsy Driving

Just like drugs or alcohol, sleepiness slows reaction time, decreases awareness, and impairs judgment. Just like drugs or alcohol, it can be fatal when driving.

• Death rates based on mileage were 2.3 times higher at night than during the day in 2003.
• 37% of drivers surveyed by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration admitted to falling asleep at the wheel at some point in their driving career.
  • 8% admitted doing so in the past six months
  • 60% admitted falling asleep while driving on an interstate- type highway with posted speeds of 55 MPH or higher.

The drivers at highest risk are: third shift workers, people that drive a substantial number of miles each day, those with unrecognized sleep disorders, and those prescribed medication with sedatives.

Recognize the symptoms of fatigue

• Eyes closing or going out of focus
• Persistent yawning
• Irritability, restlessness, and impatience
• Wandering or disconnected thoughts
• Inability to remember driving the last few miles
• Drifting between lanes or onto shoulder
• Abnormal speed, tailgating, or failure to obey traffic signs
• Back tension, burning eyes, shallow breathing or inattentiveness

Safety Tips

• Maintain a regular sleep schedule that allows adequate rest.
• When the signs of fatigue begin to show, get off the road. Take a short nap in a well-lit area. Do not simply stop on the side of the road.
• Avoid driving between 12am and 6am
• When planning long trips:
  • Share driving responsibilities with a companion
  • Begin the trip early in the day
  • Keep the temperature cool in the car
  • Stop every 100 miles or 2 hours to get out of the car and walk around; exercise helps to combat fatigue
  • Stop for light meals and snacks
  • Drive with your head up, shoulders back and legs flexed at about a 45 degree angle