Drowsy Driving

The triple A (AAA) Foundation took a poll in 2012 to find out how American drivers were doing. The results of the poll showed that large percentage of Americans have claimed to fall asleep while driving. the  National Sleep Foundation had found in another poll that Driving when Drowsy means a far higher risk of car accidents. The poll showed that as many as 60% of all drivers had fallen asleep in the past 90 days at least once. 

There are a number of reasons that drivers may be drowsy. From cold medicines, warm sleepy days, long journeys, and lack of sleep are among the reasons that drivers may feel sleepy while driving. Tired drivers have accounted for at least 100,000 accidents per year according to the stats of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)

Drowsy driving can be extremely dangerous and put lives of drivers, passengers and others at risk. 

Here are a few tips to try if you find that you are tired while driving

• if you find yourself falling asleep behind the wheel get a good check up from your doctor to make sure there is nothing serious wrong
• don't drive if you are tired
• if driving long distance take a break and pull over for a quick cat nap or a bit of a walk
• try a bit of caffeine
• never ignore being tired behind the wheel

Most adults feel or have felt sleep derived and yet others have had or are suffering from Insomnia. Severe Sleep deprivation has lead to higher risk of car accidents. Those who do not get recommended amount of sleep are more likely to fall asleep behind the wheel. Being overly tired leaves you with:

• Impaired judgement, reaction time, and vision.
• Decreased vigilance, performance, and motivation to focus on the road.
• Impaired ability to process information and poor short-term memory.
• Aggressiveness and increased moodiness while driving.

Do yourself and others on the road a favor do not drive when tired.