Beware The Silent Killer Is Drowsy Driving Do you Feel one of the Seven Signs

Beware of Drowsy Driving. Are you aware that many drivers out there have not had a good nights sleep or could use a nap. I can remember as a child my dad having many wrecks because of the hours he would work and spend driving in the car. If you are not aware some of the signs of drowsy driving are: 

• Difficulty focusing, frequent blinking or heavy eyelids;
• Daydreaming or wandering thoughts;
• Trouble remembering the last few miles driven;
• Yawning repeatedly or rubbing your eyes;
• Trouble keeping your head up;
• Drifting from your lane, tailgating, or hitting a shoulder rumble strip;
• Feeling restless and irritable.

There are a few that will be more suspectible to drive drowsy than others. Statistics have shown that these include

• Young people, especially males under age 26;
• Shift workers. Working the night shift increases your risk by nearly 6 times;
• Commercial drivers. At least 15% of all heavy truck crashes involve fatigue;
• Business travelers who spend many hours driving or may be jet lagged;
• People with undiagnosed or untreated disorders. People with untreated obstructive sleep apnea have been shown to have up to seven times increased risk of falling asleep at the wheel.

What can we do to prevent drowsy Driving?? 

 Start preparing not to be drowsy before the drive. Make sure that the driver gets plenty of sleep so that they will be alert. Normally this means 7 to 9 hours of sleep. Take breaks about every 100 miles or every 2 hours during long trips. This will help to break up the boring car ride. Take someone with you on the drive someone to keep you awake by talking and sharing the driving task. Do not drink alcohol or take medications that may make you drowsy.