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.

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