Drowsy Drivers

First, it starts off as a yawn. Next, the eyelids feel as if they are starting to gain weight. Before the driver realizes it, they are passed out in front of the wheel of their vehicle. Drowsy driving is not a joke. Weariness behind the wheel affects a person’s ability to drive. It may lead to the possibility of a serious injury or death. Every year, 1,550 deaths are caused by sleep-deprived drivers. Although there are numerous reasons for driving while being tired, the effect of sleepiness behind the wheel may lead to dreadful accidents. The ability to identify signs of an unfit driver is essential for the safety of those in the vehicle and others on the road. Awareness about ways to be more alert will save several lives.
A driver takes on
a lot of responsibility when deciding to get behind the wheel. As they choose to drive while being fatigued, they put themselves and others in a very dangerous situation. “Driving while sleepy is a widespread problem. According to the National Sleep Foundation’s Sleep in America poll, 60 % of adults admit to drowsy driving in the past year,” Julia Rodriguez states from Advanced Sleep Medicine Services (Rodriguez, Par. 2). People choose to drive fatigued due to a numerous amount of reasons. To spread awareness of drowsy driving, we must be familiar with these motives. The majority who choose to drive believe they can fight against their lassitude. They may fight against it as much as they desire, but the body will always win and force itself to sleep when maximum exhaustion is reached. Another reason why people choose to drive tired is when they are eager to drive to a desired destination. This is seen frequently among late night shift workers and those on long road trips. Other factors, such as medications, may involuntarily affect the alertness of a driver as well.
The effects of exhausted drivers cause at least 100,000 auto vehicle accidents every year (Facts and Stats, par. 2). It is because of this that it is crucial to be aware of the outcomes that come with weary driving. When someone is in a state of drowsiness, their judgement of their surroundings is impaired as well as their reaction time. This puts not only the driver’s life at risk but others on the road as well. When a driver’s judgment and reaction time in challenged, they are very likely to drift out of their lane into another or even off of the road. The effects fatigue has is so awful that it has been commonly compared to intoxicated driving. A study in Australia revealed that being sleep deprived for twenty-four hours showed similar reaction times to someone with a blood alcohol concentration of .10, .02 above the considered legally drunk level of .08 (Why Driving Makes You Tired, par. 3).
Identifying signs of a tired driver is critical.
Recognition may prevent horrible car accidents from occurring. There are many warnings that show someone is in the state of exhaustion. An obvious sign is when someone continuously yawns uncontrollably. As they repeatedly yawn, they may rub their eyes to wake themselves up more. After this, their head may start to feel heavier and fall. This, along with blurred vision and constant blinking, is an indication that the driver is beginning to doze off and lose concentration. It is more common to find a driver falling asleep when they are on a high-speed, long, rural highway (Facts and Stats, par. 7). The boring and consistent scenery makes it easy to get caught up in day dreams and wander off with their thoughts. Once someone starts to notice that the driver is missing exits, drifting into other lanes unintentionally, and driving over rumble strips on the side of the road, the vehicle should immediately be pulled over to prevent the chances of crashing into their
surroundings. Once someone is mindful of the reasons, effects, and signs of somnolent driving, they may then take action into preventing it. It is important to be familiar with a variety of ways to keep the body awake behind the wheel.
The first thing a driver should do is plan ahead.
When the driver is aware of when and how long they will be behind the wheel, they will have a better judgment of time management. With this, they should know when to go to bed to get an eight-hour rest. “People who sleep even a moderate six to seven hours per night are twice as likely to crash as those who sleep the recommended eight hours a night” (Rodriguez Par. 4). This good night rest is the best way to make sure the body is in its optimum driving condition. Planning ahead also lets the driver know when the best times are to drive. The chances of falling asleep behind the wheel at night are greater than any other time of day. The body is working against its clock during late hours which will increase a driver’s vulnerability of falling asleep (Drowsy Driving, section 4). Because of this, avoid driving between midnight and six in the
morning.
When going on a long road trip, try to set up a buddy system. In this set up, there is usually another licensed person in the vehicle who alternates driving with the dedicated driver. This is a great way to allow drivers to stay in their most optimal driving conditions behind the wheel. Usually, drivers should alternate every 100 miles or two hours. The buddy system is the safest way to stay alert while on a long trip with a partner.
Cases do occur where an individual takes on a long drive without another licensed driver in this vehicle. If this happens, they should not be afraid to take frequent breaks. Once they start experiencing the signs of a weary driver, they should pull over at a rest station or any convenient stop. Getting out of the vehicle and walking around helps circulate the blood in the body and awakens the driver. If walking around does not help arouse the body, take a nap. Even a nap between twenty to thirty minutes may help make a significant difference in alertness (Rodriguez, par. 14). It is important to consider when your body intakes before you drive. Large, heavy meals may decrease alertness significantly. Try to refrain from consuming fatty, salty, or sugary foods. Go for healthier meals before and during your travels. “Energy food consists of complex carbohydrates and proteins, which will give you long-lasting stamina. Eat whole grains…lean meat, fruits, veggies … the good stuff! These foods will help keep you awake on your route” (Green, paragraph 5). Drinking caffeine also helps with providing more energy. However, it is useful only for a short amount of time. If the driver is taking any sort of medications, they should especially be aware of its side effects. Reading the warnings posted on the bottle. Prescription medication may impair judgments and may worsen weariness. Avoid taking medications until arriving upon the destination if possible. Awareness of how to be more alert behind the wheel may prevent tragic accidents from occurring. There are many reasons to take the wheel while being tired, but it is crucial to know the consequences the driver may face if they decide to drive. Be familiar with all indications that one’s weariness may be taking over their alertness. Take the precautions advised to prevent any further risk of drowsy driving. By following these steps, a driver is preventing a dangerous accident from occurring. Think safely and do not fight fatigue, it is not worth the risk.