Daylight Saving Time Change Increases Risk of Drowsy Driving Accidents
Daylight saving time begins this Sunday, and with the shift in our sleep patterns, it's essential to be vigilant against drowsy driving. According to the National Road Safety Foundation, drowsy driving can be as dangerous as driving under the influence [1].
Michelle Anderson of the National Road Safety Foundation emphasizes the severity of the issue, stating that drowsy driving plays a role in more than 300,000 crashes annually, resulting in 109,000 injuries and economic losses exceeding $30 billion [2]. Shockingly, drowsy driving contributes to more than 5,000 fatalities on U.S. roads each year [3].
So, what are the warning signs of drowsy driving? Frequent yawning, difficulty keeping eyes open, heavy eyelids or head nodding, drifting or wandering from your lane, missing traffic signs or exits, blurry or wandering vision, and trouble focusing or remembering the last few miles driven are all potential indications [1][4]. Additional symptoms may include irritability, zoning out, erratic speed, or tailgating [4].
To combat drowsy driving during daylight saving time, drivers should prioritize getting sufficient sleep before driving, take breaks to rest if they feel signs of drowsiness arise, and avoid driving if experiencing severe fatigue [1][4]. If possible, switching drivers or postponing trips to allow adjustment to the new sleep schedule is beneficial [4]. Recognizing signs early and pulling over safely to rest can prevent accidents [1].
Pairing a short nap with a caffeinated beverage can provide an extra boost for drivers. A 20-minute nap can help restore alertness, but it's important to allow about 30 minutes for the caffeine to take effect [5].
Road safety experts urge drivers to remain vigilant due to an increased risk of fatigue-related crashes after the time change. At highway speeds, a vehicle can cover the length of a football field in the time it takes for a driver to blink off and on again, increasing the risk of accidents [6].
The National Road Safety Foundation, which has been promoting safe driving habits for over six decades, offers free educational programs and public service campaigns at www.nrsf.org. They also provide a free personal Sleep Diary at www.nrsf.org/resources/drowsy-driving to help drivers monitor their sleep patterns.
It's alarming to note that on any given day, over 83 million sleep-deprived Americans take to the road [7]. Let's all do our part to ensure our roads remain safe during daylight saving time. Remember, it's better to arrive late than never.
References:
- www.nrsf.org
- www.nrsf.org/resources/drowsy-driving
- www.nhtsa.gov
- www.cdc.gov
- www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
- www.nhtsa.gov
- www.cdc.gov
Sleep deprivation, a common issue during daylight saving time, is linked to health-and-wellness and can lead to drowsy driving, as highlighted by the National Road Safety Foundation. Recognizing the importance of sleep for road safety, the Foundation offers a free Sleep Diary at www.nrsf.org/resources/drowsy-driving to help individuals monitor their sleep patterns and maintain good health and wellness.
