In case you missed it, Nov. 5 to Nov. 11 was Drowsy Driving Prevention Week, in response to the National Sleep Foundation.
We’re writing about this now as a result of the subject of driving drowsy is simply as essential now because it was final month.
Drowsy driving will at all times be a serious security challenge, and particularly through the vacation season. Christmas Day generally is a lengthy day for individuals who journey and maybe get on the freeway late at night time to return dwelling after a heavy meal and some eggnogs.
Driving drowsy is an unappreciated highway hazard that’s extra widespread than many individuals assume, and it results in numerous accidents and fatalities. AAA analysis discovered that drivers usually don’t understand how drowsy they’re and so they proceed to drive once they actually ought to cease for a break. The excellent news is that driving drowsy is preventable with sufficient sleep and different prevention measures.
“Drowsiness refers to a state of increased tendency to fall asleep” states an Auto Club article. “Beyond the danger of falling asleep at the wheel, drowsiness also impairs drivers by reducing their alertness. Crashes caused by drowsy driving tend to be severe because the driver may not attempt to brake or swerve to avoid a collision, so the resulting impact occurs at a high rate of speed. A drowsy driver may also be startled and lose control of the vehicle.”
The National Sleep Foundation encourages folks to drive solely when they’re alert and to get sufficient sleep earlier than driving. Its security info could be discovered right here.
Here’s how you can acknowledge in case you are drowsy and must cease for a break.
If you’re continually yawning or blinking, drifting out of your lane, miss an exit, don’t actually recall the previous couple of miles you’ve pushed or your tires hit the noise dots or strips on the roadside, you’re seemingly driving drowsy, in response to MarketWatch Guides, which just lately printed a examine on driving drowsy statistics.
Among the findings: 1 in 25 drivers admitted to falling asleep whereas driving up to now month, the examine mentioned, citing statistics from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Also, drowsy driving-related accidents usually tend to happen between midnight and 6 a.m. and within the late afternoon, and extra more likely to occur on highways and rural roads.
Who is most in danger? Shift employees, younger folks and people with sleeping issues, the examine discovered.
AAA gives 5 security suggestions:
- Drive at occasions of the day while you’re usually awake.
- Avoid consuming heavy meals that make you drained and drugs that trigger drowsiness.
- For longer journeys, take a break each couple of hours or each 100 miles or so.
- Travel with a passenger so you possibly can take turns driving.
- Take a fast nap. Pull right into a relaxation cease and snooze for 20 to half-hour to really feel refreshed.
Source: www.bostonherald.com”