Heed Warning: Inexperienced Drivers and Others, Stay Aware Against Drowsy Driving as Daylight Saving Time Concludes This Upcoming Weekend
Fighting Drowsy Driving: Recognizing the Signs and Taking Action
Drowsy driving is a prevalent issue on America's roads, causing approximately 100,000 crashes each year [1]. Recognizing the warning signs of drowsiness and taking proactive measures can help prevent accidents and ensure safer journeys for everyone.
The National Road Safety Foundation (NRSF), a 60-year-old organization dedicated to various driving safety issues [7], offers free programs on drowsy driving. Common warning signs include frequent blinking, yawning, difficulty focusing, drifting out of lanes, and hitting the rumble strips on the side of the road [2][4][5].
To combat drowsiness, it's essential to get adequate sleep before driving, generally seven to eight hours [3]. Taking regular breaks every 100 miles or every two hours can also help refresh and rejuvenate. Avoiding driving after being awake for extended periods, such as 18+ hours, is equally important, as impairment is similar to having a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.05% or higher [1][3][5].
If feeling drowsy during a trip, stopping for a short nap or rest is advisable. Alternatively, using alternative transportation or asking for a ride when feeling excessively tired is a wise choice [4][5].
Blasting the radio or opening windows does not significantly help to keep people awake [6]. Coffee can help combat drowsiness, but its effects take about 30 minutes to be noticeable [5].
Passengers should speak up if the driver appears too tired, as their vigilance can make a significant difference in preventing accidents. The NRSF also encourages teens to spread safe driving messages through contests [8].
Drowsy driving impairs cognitive functions and reaction times similarly to intoxicated driving, substantially increasing crash risk [1][3]. Awareness of these risks and prompt action are crucial to preventing fatigue-related crashes.
This weekend, remember that daylight savings time ends, which may disrupt your sleep schedule. Prioritizing sleep and taking breaks when necessary will help maintain alertness and ensure safer driving.
[1] National Sleep Foundation. (2014). Drowsy driving and automobile crashes. Retrieved from https://www.sleepfoundation.org/articles/drowsy-driving-and-automobile-crashes
[2] National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. (n.d.). Drowsy driving. Retrieved from https://www.nhtsa.gov/road-safety/drowsy-driving
[3] American Automobile Association. (2018). Drowsy driving. Retrieved from https://newsroom.aaa.com/drowsy-driving/
[4] National Road Safety Foundation. (n.d.). Drowsy driving. Retrieved from https://www.nrsf.org/drowsy-driving/
[5] Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2019). Drowsy driving. Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/features/drowsy-driving/index.html
[6] Mayo Clinic. (2018). Drowsy driving. Retrieved from https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/adult-health/in-depth/drowsy-driving/art-20048389
[7] National Road Safety Foundation. (n.d.). About NRSF. Retrieved from https://www.nrsf.org/about-nrsf/
[8] National Road Safety Foundation. (n.d.). Teen contests. Retrieved from https://www.nrsf.org/teen-contests/
Ensuring good health-and-wellness and mental-health is integral to maintaining alertness while driving, especially in recognizing and combating drowsy driving. Adequate sleep, at least seven to eight hours, is essential before getting behind the wheel to ward off drowsiness.
