Drivers who fall asleep while driving
Drowsy Driving
Drowsy driving is dangerous and can be deadly. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), drowsy driving was a factor in 72,000 crashes and 800 deaths in 2013.
Most people think of drowsy driving as falling asleep at the wheel, but it’s more than that. Drowsy driving is when you’re so tired that you have a hard time paying attention, you can’t keep your eyes open, or you can’t remember the last few miles you’ve driven. It can happen anytime, day or night, but it’s more common at night.
How to Avoid Falling Asleep While Driving
The best way to avoid falling asleep while driving is to get enough sleep. Most people need 7-8 hours of sleep a day. If you’re going to be driving for a long time, make sure you’re well rested before you start.
If you’re driving late at night or early in the morning, take a break every 2 hours. Stop at a rest area and walk around or take a nap.
If you’re feeling drowsy, don’t try to tough it out. Pull over and rest or change drivers.
Some medications can make you drowsy. If you’re taking medication, check the label to see if drowsiness is a side effect.
If you have a sleep disorder like sleep apnea, talk to your doctor about treatment options.
What to Do if You Start to Fall Asleep
If you start to feel drowsy, here are some things you can do to try to stay awake:
· Drink coffee or another caffeinated beverage
· Turn up the music
· Open the windows and get some fresh air
· Pull over and take a nap
What to Do if You See a Driver Falling Asleep
If you see a driver who may be falling asleep, here are some things you can do:
· honk your horn
· flash your lights
· wave your arms
· try to get the driver’s attention
· call 911
For more information on drowsy driving, visit the NHTSA website.
The reason why drivers fall asleep while driving
A driver may fall asleep while driving for many reasons. A driver may have a sleep disorder that makes it difficult to stay awake during the day. A driver may have fallen asleep because he or she did not get enough sleep the night before. A driver may have fallen asleep because he or she is taking medication that makes him or her drowsy. A driver may have fallen asleep because he or she is driving while intoxicated.
The consequences of falling asleep while driving
Sleep disorders are a serious problem that can have many consequences if not treated properly. Left untreated, sleep disorders can lead to:
-Drowsy driving, which can result in car accidents, injuries, and even death.
-Decreased alertness and concentration, which can impact work performance and increase the risk of errors or accidents.
-Irritability and moodiness, which can strain relationships.
-Memory problems and difficulty learning new information.
-Increased risk of developing chronic health problems such as high blood pressure, heart disease, and diabetes.
How to avoid falling asleep while driving
Drowsy driving is a major problem on America’s roads. According to the National Sleep Foundation, 60% of adult drivers say they have driven while feeling drowsy in the past year, and more than one-third have actually nodded off or fallen asleep while driving. Drowsy driving is especially a problem for night shift workers, people with untreated sleep disorders, and young people.
There are a number of things you can do to avoid falling asleep while driving.
First, get a good night’s sleep before you get behind the wheel. If you’re driving long distances, take a nap before you start out, and plan to stop for a nap every few hours.
Second, avoid driving late at night or early in the morning, when you’re likely to be the sleepiest.
Third, don’t drink alcohol before driving. Alcohol may make you feel awake at first, but it actually makes it harder to stay awake.
Fourth, use caffeine wisely. Caffeine can help you stay alert, but it’s only a short-term solution. It takes about 30 minutes for caffeine to take effect, so drink it before you start to feel sleepy. And don’t drink too much caffeine, or you may end up getting jittery and having trouble sleeping later on.
Finally, if you start to feel drowsy while you’re driving, pull over and take a break. Go for a walk, have a cup of coffee, or take a nap. It’s better to arrive late than not at all.