Drowsy Driving
Fatigued driving can be fatal when driving. Just like drugs or alcohol, sleepiness slows reaction time, decreases awareness, and impairs judgment.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration:
Every year about 100,000 police-reported crashes involve drowsy driving.
Driving after going more than 20 hours without sleep is the equivalent of driving with a blood-alcohol concentration of 0.08%.
You are three times more likely to be in a car crash if you are fatigued.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration:
Every year about 100,000 police-reported crashes involve drowsy driving.
Driving after going more than 20 hours without sleep is the equivalent of driving with a blood-alcohol concentration of 0.08%.
You are three times more likely to be in a car crash if you are fatigued.
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
Avoid Fatigued Driving:
- 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
- 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