The 5 Signs of Drowsy Driving

Despite clear signs of fatigue, most drivers do not realize that they are sleepy and usually overestimate their vigilance.
The most common warning signs are:

• Trouble focusing
• Frequent yawning and rubbing eyes
• Daydreaming and wandering thoughts
• Drifting in your lane
• Not remembering the last couple of miles.

What makes the holidays so hazardous?

The long working days and long dark nights of this season mean that a lot of people will not get the quantity or quality of sleep they are accustomed to or require. There are early holiday shopping deals, late night parties during the week, and many hours at the beginning and end of the typical work day spent in the dark. All of these contribute to reduced sleep time and impaired wakefulness. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) estimates that 100,000 crashes occur due to fatigue and sleepiness each year, and result in 1550 deaths.

The holidays are a hazardous time because we do not sleep nearly enough and we spend a lot of time on the highways.

Driving without sleep is like driving drunk

Driving simulation studies show that when subjects are kept awake for 17 hours their driving performance is equal to their ability with a blood alcohol level of 0.05. When drivers are awake for 19 hours, they drive as poorly as when they have a blood alcohol level of 0.10. DUI laws state that a blood alcohol level of 0.08 is illegal. If you pull an “all-nighter” and drive, it is equivalent to driving drunk!

Underlying sleep disorders, such as snoring and sleep apnea, can also lead to impaired performance behind the wheel. Studies demonstrate that individuals with untreated mild to moderate sleep apnea perform worse than those with blood alcohol levels of 0.06.

What to do?

If you notice any of the warning signs outlined above, caffeine may not be enough to help you. Pull over, call the folks you are driving to visit and take a nap in a motel, or in a safe off-road location. Switch drivers, if you have another person with you. If you overextend yourself, an accident is the most likely outcome.

Your friends and family are probably either in the car with you or waiting for your return – it’s not a bet worth making.