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The dangers of drowsy driving    

                                                
Constant yawning, a nod of the head, heavy eyelids, blurred vision and wandering while driving are some of the warning signs that you may be on the verge of falling asleep at the wheel.

When you are sleepy, your brain starts to shut down. Driving when you are sleepy is dangerous. It reduces your ability to drive effectively and to think quickly. Your reaction time is slower, awareness is decreased, and judgement is impaired. Often the actions of fatigued drivers are confused with drivers who had been drinking. The consequences can be just as fatal.

"People think they can judge the precise time they are too tired and don't realize that drowsy driving is a serious danger," said David Cloud, CEO of the National Sleep Foundation. "They don't know that it's possible to fall into a three- to four-second microsleep without realizing it. Traveling at 65 mph, that's enough time to travel the length of a football field basically unconscious." 

Even if a driver manages to stay awake, sleepiness causes slower reaction times, vision impairment, lapses in judgment and delays in processing information, which are all critical elements for safe driving practices. "Getting enough sleep can literally save your life," Cloud said. 

Drivers can prevent a fall-asleep crash by getting enough sleep the night before and by knowing the warning signs of sleepiness and using appropriate countermeasures. 
If a driver starts to do any, or a combination, of the following, it's time to get off the road and find a safe place to pull over. 

  • Have problems focusing, blink frequently and/or have heavy eyelids
  • Drift from your lane, swerve, tailgate and/or hit rumble strips
  • Have trouble remembering the last few miles driven
  • Miss exits or traffic signs
  • Have trouble keeping your head up
  • Yawn repeatedly
  • Rolling down the windows or turning up the radio

The following tips can help you avoid falling asleep at the wheel:

  • Get a good night's sleep before you hit the road. You'll want to be alert for the drive, so be sure to get adequate sleep (seven to nine hours) the night before you go.
  • Avoid driving at times when you would normally be asleep, example 10 p.m. to 6 a.m.
  • Avoid alcohol and medications that cause drowsiness as a side-effect.
  • Limit long distance driving — stop at least every two hours — and rest. Take a break every 200 kms or two hours. Do something to refresh yourself like getting a snack, switching drivers, or stretching your legs.
  • Stop at a safe place and take a 15 to 20 minute nap. Wait at least 10 minutes after waking up to see how alert you are. If you don't feel any more alert, don't drive. Find a place to sleep for an hour or for the night;
  • Keep the temperature cool in your vehicle. Keep your eyes moving and check your mirrors often.
  • Avoid caffeine-type drinks like coffee or cola. They provide a short-term boost, however, if you are seriously sleep deprived, no amount of caffeine will help. It's best to stay off the road.
  • Don't be too rushed to arrive at your destination. It's better to allow the time to drive alert and arrive alive.
  • Use the buddy system whenever feasible for long distances. A passenger who remains awake for the journey can take a turn behind the wheel and help identify the warning signs of fatigue. Talk with passengers but not to the point of distraction.

See your doctor if you are prone to constant sleepiness. Recognize the signs, know the dangers, and reduce your risks of driving when drowsy.

 

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