Driving tired increases the risk of being involved in a motor vehicle accident. In fact, the National Highway Traffic Commission reports that thousands of vehicle accidents each year are caused by drowsy drivers. When you are fatigued at the wheel, you are less aware of your surroundings and your judgment becomes impaired — two situations that can easily lead to a traffic accident.
Even if your eyes close for only a brief second or two, the consequences can be disastrous. However, knowing the risks and the measures you can take to prevent driving drowsy can help reduce the chance that you will become involved in a driver-fatigue-related accident.
Signs you may be suffering driver fatigue:
If you experience any of these symptoms while you are traveling, pull over and rest. When sitting in the same position while driving drains your body of energy, exercise can help keep you alert by improving blood circulation. However, if getting out of your vehicle and stretching doesn’t seem to be enough to revive you, pull in at a rest stop to take a short nap.
Napping for just a few minutes can make you feel more alert, but don’t resume driving until you feel rested enough to get back on the road and travel. If there isn’t a safe place to stop and you are traveling with someone, ask that person to drive for a while so you can rest. When you are driving, talking to passengers who are in the vehicle with you can help keep you awake and your attention focused.
What you can do to prevent becoming sleepy or drowsy while driving
Get enough sleep the night before a long road trip.
Lack of sleep or poor quality sleep can lead to driver fatigue. Leave shortly after you wake in the morning. If you wait until later in the day to start out, you may not feel as rested or alert.
Keep yourself from getting too comfortable.
Sit up straight in the driver’s seat and don’t use cruise control. Traveling long stretches of monotonous roads can make it hard to stay alert; therefore, you need to remain engaged.
Turn down the temperature in the vehicle or open a window to let cool air in if you begin to feel drowsy.
Turn up the volume and sing along with the radio. Select a radio station that plays lively, fast-paced music that will increase your alertness and help you stay awake.
Wear sunglasses when you drive during the daytime.
Even though light helps keep your body awake, bright sunlight can cause you to squint your eyes, which can make them tired. Too much light causes the muscles in your eyes to work harder. Sunglasses cut down brightness and reduce glare.
Avoid driving at night if you don’t have to.
The glare of oncoming headlights on the roadway can cause your vision to blur, interfere with your concentration, and make you feel tired. Also, when it’s dark, your body produces more of the hormone melatonin, which helps regulate sleep and wake cycles. Usually, when melatonin levels rise, you begin to feel sleepy.
Don’t drink alcohol if you intend to drive.
Alcohol is a depressant that can make you feel drowsy or even fall asleep at the wheel. Drinking alcohol distorts your perceptions and slows your ability to react quickly in unexpected traffic situations. Since alcohol affects everyone differently, it’s difficult to guess how much is a safe amount to drink. It’s best not to drink at all if you will be doing any driving.
Even if your eyes close for only a brief second or two, the consequences can be disastrous. However, knowing the risks and the measures you can take to prevent driving drowsy can help reduce the chance that you will become involved in a driver-fatigue-related accident.
Signs you may be suffering driver fatigue:
- Feeling of restlessness
- Sore, tired eyes
- Trouble concentrating
- Wandering thoughts
- Difficulty remembering directions
- Slowed reaction time
- Drifting into another lane
If you experience any of these symptoms while you are traveling, pull over and rest. When sitting in the same position while driving drains your body of energy, exercise can help keep you alert by improving blood circulation. However, if getting out of your vehicle and stretching doesn’t seem to be enough to revive you, pull in at a rest stop to take a short nap.
Napping for just a few minutes can make you feel more alert, but don’t resume driving until you feel rested enough to get back on the road and travel. If there isn’t a safe place to stop and you are traveling with someone, ask that person to drive for a while so you can rest. When you are driving, talking to passengers who are in the vehicle with you can help keep you awake and your attention focused.
What you can do to prevent becoming sleepy or drowsy while driving
Get enough sleep the night before a long road trip.
Lack of sleep or poor quality sleep can lead to driver fatigue. Leave shortly after you wake in the morning. If you wait until later in the day to start out, you may not feel as rested or alert.
Keep yourself from getting too comfortable.
Sit up straight in the driver’s seat and don’t use cruise control. Traveling long stretches of monotonous roads can make it hard to stay alert; therefore, you need to remain engaged.
Turn down the temperature in the vehicle or open a window to let cool air in if you begin to feel drowsy.
Turn up the volume and sing along with the radio. Select a radio station that plays lively, fast-paced music that will increase your alertness and help you stay awake.
Wear sunglasses when you drive during the daytime.
Even though light helps keep your body awake, bright sunlight can cause you to squint your eyes, which can make them tired. Too much light causes the muscles in your eyes to work harder. Sunglasses cut down brightness and reduce glare.
Avoid driving at night if you don’t have to.
The glare of oncoming headlights on the roadway can cause your vision to blur, interfere with your concentration, and make you feel tired. Also, when it’s dark, your body produces more of the hormone melatonin, which helps regulate sleep and wake cycles. Usually, when melatonin levels rise, you begin to feel sleepy.
Don’t drink alcohol if you intend to drive.
Alcohol is a depressant that can make you feel drowsy or even fall asleep at the wheel. Drinking alcohol distorts your perceptions and slows your ability to react quickly in unexpected traffic situations. Since alcohol affects everyone differently, it’s difficult to guess how much is a safe amount to drink. It’s best not to drink at all if you will be doing any driving.
No comments:
Post a Comment