Drowsy Driving – Being Alert Means Arriving Alive

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Sleepiness can impair a driver’s performance as much as or more so than alcohol, according to the American Automobile Association (AAA). What do you need to know about drowsy driving so you don’t become a statistic?

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration conservatively estimates that 100,000 police-reported crashes each year are caused primarily by drowsy driving and such crashes result in more than 1,550 deaths a year. 

Who is most at risk?

Anyone who drives is at risk of falling asleep at the wheel, but some groups of people are more at risk than others. They include:

• Young drivers – combining inexperience with sleepiness and a tendency to drive at night puts young people at risk.
• Shift workers and people working long hours – people who work night shifts, rotating shifts, double shifts, or work more than one job are six times more likely to be involved in a drowsy-related crash.
• Commercial drivers – those who drive a high number of miles and drive at night are at significantly higher risk for fall-asleep crashes. Commercial drivers have also been found to be at a high risk for sleep disorders.
• People with untreated sleep disorders such as obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) – people with untreated OSA are up to seven times more likely to have a drowsy driving crash. 
• Business travelers – frequent travelers who may be suffering from jet lag, crossing time zones, spending long hours behind the wheel, or getting too little sleep.

Watch out for signs of sleepiness

Most people are not very good at predicting when they are about to fall asleep. But there are key warning signs to tell you when you are too tired to drive, including:

• Trouble focusing, keeping your eyes open or your head up
• Yawning or rubbing your eyes repeatedly
• Daydreaming and wandering thoughts
• Drifting from your lane, tailgating, and missing signs or exits
• Feeling restless, irritable or aggressive
• Turning up the radio or rolling down the window 
• Slower reaction time, poor judgment

Preventing drowsy driving

DON’T

• Drive if you are tired or on medication that may cause drowsiness.
• Rely on radio, open windows, or other tricks to keep you awake.
• Drive at times when you would normally be sleeping.
• Drink alcohol, especially if you’re sleepy.

DO

• Get a good night’s sleep before a long drive.
• Get off the road if you notice any of the warning signs of fatigue.
• Take a nap – find a safe place to take a 15-20 minute nap.
• Consume caffeine – the equivalent of 2 cups of coffee can increase alertness for several hours, but do not rely on it for longer periods.
• Drive with a friend!
• Always wear your seatbelt.

When we drive, we take responsibility for our own safety and the safety of others on the road with us. No trip is worth a life. Before you hit the road, keep these tips in mind so that you can drive alert and arrive alive.