Driver Fatigue - Ways To Prevent Drowsy Driving

Sleepiness, like alcohol, slows your reaction time, decreases your awareness, and impairs your judgment. Driving drowsy is similar to driving drunk. Drowsy driving can have a massive impact on road safety.

Did you know that if you are sleep-deprived, you may have an episode of “microsleep,” which is can be described as a brief loss of consciousness that may last for a few seconds or even longer.?

Here are some safe practices that you should follow if you experience sleepiness while driving.

1. Never drink alcohol before driving. Consumption of alcohol interacts with sleepiness to increase drowsiness and impairment.
2. If you feel sleepy while driving, get a coffee drink coffee and have a 20-minute “power nap” in a place that is safe. A power nap has been shown to increase alertness in scientific studies, however, this is only for short periods.
3. Always check medication labels before taking them in case drowsiness is a side effect. If the medications you take could cause drowsiness, use public transportation when possible.
4. Try to avoid driving during the peak sleepiness periods (12a.m– 6 a.m. and late afternoon). If you need to drive during the peak sleepiness periods, stay vigilant for signs of drowsiness, such as crossing over roadway lines.

And remember try to get adequate sleep every day. It is the best method of protecting yourself against the risks of driving when you’re drowsy. Make it a priority to get seven to eight hours of sleep per night. And before the start of a long journey, always get a good night’s sleep.