Falling
asleep at the wheel
According to the National Sleep Foundation 51 percent of
Americans are driving automobiles while feeling sleepy. Nearly 17 percent
report actually falling asleep at the wheel in the past year. The National
Highway Traffic Safety Administration estimates that about 100,000 car
accidents a year are the direct result of driver fatigue. This led to an
estimated 1,550 deaths, 71,000 injuries, and $12.5 billion in monetary losses.
Warning signs:
·
Difficulty
focusing, frequent blinking, or heavy eyelids.
·
Daydreaming,
wandering or disconnected thoughts.
·
Trouble
remembering the last few miles driven, missing exits or traffic signs.
·
Yawning
repeatedly, rubbing your eyes, or trouble keeping your head up.
·
Drifting from
your lane, tailgating, or hitting a shoulder rumble strip.
· Feeling restless and irritable
Countermeasures:
·
Get an adequate amount of sleep. Experts advise
between 7 and 9 hours a night.
·
Avoid alcohol or sedatives.
·
For long trips it’s a good idea to have a companion
and take turns driving. Even if your companion cannot drive, this person can
help to look for warning signs of fatigue to keep you from dozing off.
·
It’s a good idea to stop at regular intervals to
stretch your legs and get fresh air.
·
Consume caffeine. Coffee, soft drinks or energy drinks
are good.
·
Take a short nap. Usually a 15-20 minute nap will
leave you refreshed and ready to go. Napping longer than 20 minutes will
actually do more harm than good because it will leave you groggy.
Information on this site is
provided for informational purposes and is not meant to substitute for the
advice provided by your own physician or other medical professional. You should
not use the information contained herein for diagnosing or treating a health
problem or disease, or prescribing any medication. You should read carefully
all product packaging. If you have or suspect that you have a medical problem,
promptly contact your health care provider. Information and statements
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Administration and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any
disease.