Many people think that driving while tired isn’t a serious issue. However, did you know that drowsy driving causes 1,550 deaths every year? Whether you’re driving after a long day or on an early morning road trip, staying alert is important for your safety and the safety of everyone around you.
Keep reading to learn more about drowsy driving and how you can avoid it.
How Common Is Drowsy Driving?
Drowsy driving is pretty common. In fact, it’s something most drivers experience at some point, whether they realize it or not. As a driver, it can seem normal to drive while feeling a little tired, but even minor fatigue can reduce your reaction time. According to studies, one in 25 adults admit to falling asleep at the wheel at least once within a month. Drowsy driving doesn’t just apply to those working long hours—anyone can become a drowsy driver, especially if they haven’t had enough sleep or have been driving long distances.
Why Is Drowsy Driving Dangerous?
Drowsy driving is dangerous because it slows down your reaction time, messes with your focus, and can even cause you to lose control of the car entirely. When you’re tired, your body and mind don’t respond as quickly as they normally would. This isn’t good, especially if you need to brake or swerve suddenly to avoid something.
Drowsy driving also puts you at risk of “microsleeps.” A microsleep is when you fall asleep for a very short period, usually a few seconds. You might not even realize that you’re asleep. But in those few seconds, your car could drift out of its lane, or you might miss a stop sign. If you’re on a busy road or highway, you could cause a serious accident.
What Causes Drowsy Driving?
There are several factors that can lead to drowsy driving, and they may affect you in ways you might not expect.
Lack of Sleep
Lack of sleep is one of the biggest reasons people end up driving drowsy. When you don’t get enough rest, your mind and body aren’t as sharp as they should be. You might think you’re just a little tired, but even mild sleep deprivation can slow your reaction time, make it harder to focus, and affect your decision-making.
Shift Work and Irregular Schedules
Shift work and irregular schedules can lead to drowsy driving. That’s because your body is used to sleeping at night and being awake during the day. So, when you’re working odd hours or changing shifts frequently, your body’s natural sleep cycle gets thrown off. Even if you’re technically getting enough hours of sleep, they may not be at the right times for your body, leaving you feeling groggy and less alert.
Sleep Disorders
If you have sleep disorders like sleep apnea and insomnia, it can be very hard to stay alert, especially on long drives. Therefore, if you know you have a sleep disorder, you should talk to your doctor and be extra mindful about your alertness before driving.
Medications
Some prescription and over-the-counter medications have side effects like drowsiness. Therefore, if you’re starting a new medication, you should test how it affects you before driving. If it makes you feel drowsy, consider waiting until it wears off or finding another way to get where you need to go.
What Are the Signs That You Should Stop Driving to Rest?
You should always pay attention to your body when driving. If you notice any of these signs, it’s best to find a safe place to stop for a while.
- You’re yawning frequently, and your eyes start feeling heavy. If you’re constantly yawning, rubbing your eyes, or finding it hard to keep your eyes open, it’s a clear sign that your body needs rest.
- You’re drifting or weaving. If you notice that you’re veering out of your lane or struggling to stay centered, you should take a short break before hitting the road again.
- You’re missing exits or road signs. When your attention starts slipping, you might find yourself missing important exits, road signs, or turns that you wouldn’t normally overlook.
- You’re blinking or feeling dazed. If you start blinking a lot or feel like you’re mentally drifting, that’s a warning to stop and take a break.
Stay Alert on the Road
Drowsy driving is more risky than you might think. In fact, it has claimed the lives of so many people, which is why you should always stay alert on the road. If you suddenly feel drowsy while driving, you should pull over in a safe spot and rest before proceeding with your journey.