Are you experiencing difficulties with drowsy driving?
Causes of Drowsy Driving
Sleeplessness
One of the most common causes of drowsy driving is simply not getting enough sleep. Many people underestimate the importance of a good night’s rest and fail to prioritize it in their daily routines. The National Sleep Foundation recommends that adults aim for seven to nine hours of sleep per night, yet so many individuals fall short of this goal.
Health
Conditions like obstructive sleep apnea, which causes interruptions in breathing during sleep, can result in daytime sleepiness and impaired cognitive function. Unfortunately, many people with sleep disorders go undiagnosed and untreated, exacerbating the risk of drowsy driving.
Alcohol
Another factor that contributes to drowsy driving is the influence of alcohol. Like alcohol, fatigue impairs judgment, reaction time, and cognitive function. Combining these two factors creates a dangerously potent cocktail for potential accidents.
Circadian Rhythm
The internal clock, also known as the circadian rhythm, plays a significant role in drowsy driving. The human body has a natural tendency to feel drowsy during certain time periods, particularly during the late afternoon and late at night. These are the times when our bodies are programmed to rest, making it harder to stay alert on the road.
Why Drowsy Driving is Dangerous
One of the main reasons why drowsy driving is so dangerous is its effect on cognitive function and reaction time. When a person is sleep-deprived or excessively tired, their ability to concentrate, process information, and make split-second decisions is impaired. This means that they may not be able to react quickly enough to avoid a collision or navigate unexpected situations on the road.
Studies have shown that drowsy driving can be just as dangerous as driving under the influence of alcohol. Both fatigue and alcohol impair a driver’s judgment and coordination, increasing the likelihood of errors and accidents.
Drowsy driving can lead to fatal crashes, especially on long stretches of highways or during nighttime when drowsiness can be more pronounced.
A fatigued driver may actually doze off, even if it’s just for a few seconds. These microsleep episodes can have catastrophic consequences. In those brief moments of unconsciousness, the driver loses control of the vehicle, putting themselves and others in immediate danger.
Signs That You Should Stop Driving and Rest
- Heavy eyelids and frequent yawning: If you find yourself struggling to keep your eyes open or constantly yawning while driving, it's a clear sign of drowsiness. These are natural responses by your body to combat fatigue, and they should not be ignored.
- Difficulty focusing and blurred vision: You may have trouble maintaining a clear view of the road and noticing important objects or signs. If you find your vision becoming blurry or your focus drifting, it's time to take a break.
- Drifting out of your lane or hitting rumble strips: If you notice that you're unintentionally crossing into other lanes or hitting rumble strips, it's a strong indication that your fatigue is affecting your driving. These involuntary movements can be dangerous and may lead to a collision if not addressed promptly.
- Daydreaming or missing exits and turns: When fatigue sets in, your mind can wander, and you may find yourself daydreaming or missing turns and exits. This lack of attention and situational awareness is a significant red flag that it's time to stop and rest.
- Slowed reaction time: Fatigue can significantly slow down your reaction time, making it difficult to respond promptly to unexpected events on the road. If you notice that you're taking longer to react to stimuli or if you feel your responses are delayed, find a safe place to rest.
- Feeling irritable, restless, or impatient: Fatigue can also affect your mood and temperament. If you find yourself becoming increasingly irritable, restless, or impatient behind the wheel, it's a clear sign that your exhaustion is affecting your mental state. These emotions can impair your judgment and make you more prone to making mistakes while driving.
- Difficulty remembering the last few miles driven: If you struggle to recall the last few miles you've driven or find gaps in your memory, you are probably too tired to continue driving. Losing track of time and your surroundings is a dangerous situation that requires immediate rest.
Who Is At Risk for Driving Drowsy?
- Shift Workers: Those who work night shifts or rotating schedules often struggle with disrupted sleep patterns, making it difficult to get adequate rest. Their internal clock is disrupted, leading to a higher likelihood of drowsiness while driving. It's important for shift workers to prioritize their sleep and find ways to optimize their sleep schedule to minimize the risks on the road.
- Commercial Drivers: Long-haul truckers, delivery drivers, and bus drivers often spend extended periods behind the wheel, covering vast distances. These lengthy drives can lead to fatigue, especially if drivers do not receive sufficient rest between shifts.
- Business Travelers: Constantly being on the road, attending meetings, and making tight schedules can disrupt sleep patterns and lead to sleep deprivation. This combination of stress, irregular sleep, and long periods of driving can be a dangerous mix.
Whether it’s a single driver taking a long road trip or an adult driver who did not get enough sleep the night before, anyone can be vulnerable to drowsy driving.
Driving after going more than 20 hours without sleep is the equivalent of driving with a blood-alcohol concentration of 0.08% – the U.S. legal limit. [3]
What May Help You Stay Alert
- Get enough sleep: Make sure you are well-rested before hitting the road. Aim for 7-9 hours of quality sleep per night to reduce the risk of drowsiness.
- Take regular breaks: Plan your trip so that you can take frequent breaks every 2 hours or 100 miles. Use these breaks to stretch your legs, get some fresh air, and rejuvenate your mind.
- Avoid long drives during nighttime: Driving at night can increase the chances of drowsiness. If possible, schedule your trips during daylight hours when you are naturally more alert.
- Stay hydrated: Dehydration can contribute to fatigue, so make sure to drink enough water throughout your journey. Avoid excessive caffeine or sugary drinks that can lead to spikes and crashes in energy levels.
- Avoid heavy meals: Large, heavy meals can make you feel sluggish and sleepy. Opt for small, light snacks instead to maintain your energy levels without causing drowsiness.
- Engage in conversation or listen to upbeat music: Interacting with passengers or listening to lively music can help keep your mind engaged and prevent monotony-induced drowsiness.
- Use air conditioning or roll down the windows: A cool and well-ventilated environment can help keep you awake and alert. Adjust the temperature and use the airflow to your advantage.
- Avoid relying on cruise control: Using cruise control for long stretches of road can promote monotony and make you more likely to become drowsy. It's better to actively engage with the driving experience.
- Pull over if necessary: If you find yourself struggling to stay awake or notice signs of drowsiness, it's crucial to pull over to a safe location. Take a short nap or rest until you feel alert and refreshed.
Drowsy driving can be as dangerous as drunk driving. If you are feeling excessively tired or are experiencing difficulty staying awake, it’s best to find a safe place to rest before continuing your journey.
Have you or a loved one been involved in an accident caused by a drowsy driver?
It’s time to take action and seek justice. Contact the personal injury lawyers at Goldberg & Loren today to schedule a free consultation.
Sources:
[1] Wilbanks, J. (2022, January 5). Prevent Drowsy Driving: Stay Awake at the Wheel! – Sleep Education. Sleep Education. https://sleepeducation.org/get-involved/campaigns/prevent-drowsy-driving-stay-awake-at-the-wheel/
[2] Drowsy Driving Prevention Week® – National Sleep Foundation. (2023, October 18). National Sleep Foundation. https://www.thensf.org/drowsy-driving-prevention/
[3] Fatigued Driving – National Safety Council. (n.d.). https://www.nsc.org/road/safety-topics/fatigued-driver
