WHAT IS DROWSY DRIVING?

It occurs when drivers are too tired to remain alert and focused behind the wheel. Drivers can fall asleep and lose control of the vehicle.

LEARN ABOUT WHO IS AT RISK FOR DROWSY DRIVING

There is no currently accepted way to measure if you or someone else is too tired to drive. However, there are some groups that are more at risk for drowsy driving.

SHIFT WORKERS OR BUSINESS TRAVELERS: Your body wants to sleep when it is dark and be awake when it is light. Shift workers and business travelers may have different sleep schedules than their bodies want, which can cause them to wake up frequently during sleep and feel unrest after sleeping.

PEOPLE WHO ARE SLEEP DEPRIVED: If you feel that you often do not get enough sleep and routinely find yourself falling asleep during the day, you may be sleep deprived. Just like you’re more likely to fall asleep while doing your daily activities, you may have trouble staying awake behind the wheel.

PEOPLE WHO HAVE STAYED UP LONGER THAN USUAL: Whether you have been driving for hours or just stayed up all night, you are more likely to have problems with reacting in time and staying awake.

HOW DO I PREVENT DROWSY DRIVING?

The best step to prevent drowsy driving is to get 7-8 hours of sleep a night. If you think you may be too tired to drive, here are some things you can do:

→ Get a ride from someone else
→ Take public transportation or a taxi
→ Pull over to a safe place and take a nap in your car
→ Drive with someone

WHAT IF I CAN’T GET ENOUGH SLEEP OR AM STILL TIRED AFTER SLEEP ALL NIGHT?

If you find that you are unable to sleep 7-8 hours a night or are still tired after getting that much sleep, you may have a sleep disorder. Disorders that might cause you to be tired during the day include: Obstructive Sleep Apnea, Narcolepsy and Insomnia.

The good news is that there are many effective treatments for sleep disorders. For example, if a sleep apnea test shows you have sleep apnea, a CPAP machine could help (note that a referral from a medical doctor is required prior to completing the sleep test).

WHAT ARE THE CONSEQUENCES OF DROWSY DRIVING?

You could get into an accident that could damage your or someone else’s property. You could injure yourself or others. Serious accidents can lead to death. In some provinces and states, people have gone to jail for their role in drowsy driving accidents. Many people never realize that they are putting themselves and other at risk by driving while impaired by sleepiness. Fortunately, drowsy driving is preventable. Knowing the signs and risk factors for drowsy driving will help you recognize when someone shouldn’t be driving. Getting enough sleep is the best way to prevent drowsy driving.