The Many Risks of Driving While Sleepy
You already know that is extremely dangerous and unwise to drive in hazardous conditions or to drive drunk, however, did you also know that is just as risky to drive while sleep-deprived? The 2008 Sleep in America Poll found that sixty-four percent of drivers who work thirty hours per week or more have driven a vehicle while feeling drowsy in the past year, and thirty-six percent have actually fallen asleep at the wheel. Clearly sleep problems are taking their toll on America’s safety as well as health.
Drowsiness affects vision, slows your reaction time, decreases awareness, and increases your likelihood of crashing - just like alcohol. Young people, men, shift workers, and commercial drivers were found to be especially at risk for sleep-related accidents, as well as people who suffer from sleep disorders - especially those whose sleeping problems are going untreated.
Of course, the very best way to avoid sleepiness at the wheel is to get at least seven hours of sleep a night; however, it is also important to pay attention to key signs of fatigue. For instance, slowed reaction times, trouble focusing and keeping your eyes open or keeping your head up, repeated yawning, drifting from your lane, missing important signs or your exit, or feeling the need to roll down the window or turn up the radio to stay alert. If you experience any of these symptoms, it is time to find a place to sleep and call it a night.
Tags: Dangers of Sleep Deprivation, driving drowsy, Sleep Disorders, Sleep Problems