Studies show 60% of adult drivers – about 168 million people – say they have driven a vehicle while feeling drowsy in the past year, and more than one-third (or 103 million people) has actually fallen asleep at the wheel. Are you one of them?
Regular readers of this blog have read my past drowsy driving experiences (none of them were pretty). And now there’s an entire week dedicated to educating travelers about the dangers of getting behind the wheel without proper sleep.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration estimates that 100,000 police-reported crashes are the direct result of driver fatigue each year. Of those accidents an estimated 1,550 deaths and 71,000 injuries occurred. Sobering statistics to say the least.
Looking over the report one of the eye opening bits of information I spotted was that some drivers are more inclined to get into fatigue related accidents than others. Research shows that young males (those under the age of 26), shift workers (the night shift increases your risk by nearly 6 times), commercial drivers (especially long-haul drivers), people with untreated sleep disorders, and business travelers–who spend many hours driving or may be jet lagged are at increased risk for having a fatigue-related crash.
Think abut it; how many times have you gotten behind the wheel without a good night’s sleep and suddenly find yourself drifting from your lane as you fight to stay awake. If you are like me you turn up the radio or roll down your window, but let’s face it neither one helps. The bottom line: if you find yourself dosing off while you are driving it’s time to pull over. Get out of your car and stretch for a few minutes or pull over to a safe area and take a 15-minute power nap. Either way, don’t continue to drive if you are having a hard time keeping your head up and your eyes open.
Even better complete a personal assessment prior to getting behind the wheel. Consider whether you are:
· Sleep-deprived or fatigued (6 hours of sleep or less triples your risk).
· Driving through the night or when you would normally be asleep.
· Taking sedating medications (antidepressants, cold tablets, antihistamines).
· Working more than 60 hours a week (increases your risk by 40%).
· Drinking even small amounts of alcohol.
· Driving alone or on a long, rural, dark or boring road.
If any of the aforementioned points apply to you, don’t risk getting behind the wheel and endangering your life and the lives of your fellow motorists.
For tips on how to prevent fatigue-related accidents click here.
Related Articles:
Preventing Fatigue-Related Crashes
On The Road: Tips For Women Who Travel Alone
On The Road–More Tips For Women Who Travel Alone