Impaired judgment, slowed reaction times, decreased awareness; most people commonly associate these symptoms with being under the influence of alcohol. However, it might surprise you to learn that alcohol isn’t the only thing that has these effects on your body – drowsiness does the same thing.
According to the National Safety Council (NSC), fatigued drivers are three times more likely to get into an accident than those who feel awake. Research shows that driving after staying awake for 20 or more hours is the equivalent of driving with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of .08%. But even missing two to three hours of sleep can have deadly consequences behind the wheel.
In our on-the-go culture, getting a full night of restful sleep isn’t always realistic. However, driving while drowsy is more dangerous than you think. Here’s everything motorists need to know about staying awake and alert on the roadways.
How to avoid drowsy driving
When sleepiness starts to creep up while driving, many people assume that they can handle it or don’t experience any warning signs at all before falling asleep. To ensure you are always alert behind the wheel, you should:
- Get the sleep you need: Most adults require between seven and nine hours of sleep per night to function optimally the next day. If you weren’t able to get enough sleep the night before, try to take a short 20 to 30-minute nap before you get out on the road – especially before a long trip.
- Don’t ignore drowsy symptoms: If you’re having a hard time keeping the symptoms of drowsiness at bay, it’s a good idea to pull over to a safe location to rest or get a caffeinated beverage to wake up. Signs of sleepiness can include frequently yawning, struggling to keep your eyes open, losing focus, drifting from your lane or not recalling how far you’ve driven.
- Plan ahead for long trips: Whenever possible, you should try to travel with a friend or relative if you’re driving a long distance so you can give each other breaks from driving. You should also avoid leaving for your road trip after a full day of work or at night when you’re more likely to be tired. According to the NSC, accident fatalities at night are three times higher than in the daytime.
- Don’t rely too much on quick fixes: While drinking coffee or energy drinks or rolling down the windows might help keep you awake in the short term, eventually, your body’s need for sleep will catch up. Don’t try to force yourself to stay awake and drive if your drowsiness is overcoming you.
Drowsiness isn’t always avoidable – but getting behind the wheel while drowsy is. Whether you are on your daily commute or planning a long road trip, make sure you are awake and focused to prevent endangering yourself and others on the road.
