We all hear about the dangers of drinking and driving, and we hear them often. That is because that is a real danger and people still drink and drive. It is quite remarkable that something so dangerous, can be talked about so often and yet still, it happens regularly. But there is another danger out there that doesn’t get enough attention at all, drowsy driving. Did you know that driving while drowsy is just as dangerous as drinking and driving? You pay less attention to the road and other drivers, your reaction time dips, and you aren’t able to make the best decisions while driving under the influence. But all of the above can also be said for driving while drowsy. That is why it is important that you utilize drowsy driving tips and learn about the dangers.
The best drowsy driving tips will help you to understand the dangers of driving when tired and they may even save your life.
The Numbers
The CDC has found that 1 in 25 adults has reported falling asleep while driving in the last 30 days. We also have the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reporting that drowsiness was the cause of 72,000 crashes, 44,000 injuries, and 800 deaths. The problem is, we don’t have exact numbers and these numbers are low estimations. Commercial drivers are more at risk for this problem but that doesn’t mean others aren’t at risk at all. It can be very dangerous to drive while sleepy and just like driving under the influence, the fixes are very simple. You don’t have to drive drowsy, instead, you can follow some simple drowsy driving tips to keep you from becoming one of the estimated numbers above.
Full Nights Rest
The best preventive measure you can take to drowsy driving is simply getting a full night’s rest. The exact number of hours that one should sleep is still being debated but at least 7-8 hours should do the trick. It is plain and simple, get sleep when you should be getting sleep. But that is only one of the best drowsy driving tips. There are more things you can do to make sure you don’t fall asleep at the wheel.
Pre/Mid Drive Nap
You can take a short nap just before you head off on a road trip. Road trips often take many hours to complete and you’re sure to get a little drowsy at some point. Take a quick nap before you leave in order to stretch out the amount of time you can drive before getting drowsy. There is also a mid-drive nap. A mid-drive nap should be done in a safe area like a rest stop. Pull off to the rest stop when you start to feel a bit drowsy, Make sure your car is parked, the doors are locked, and the keys have been taken out of the ignition.
Friends Help Friends
Another great way to avoid drowsy driving is to have a driving buddy. You could have a friend go with you on a long road trip and then take turns sleeping and driving. However, as far as drowsy driving tips go, this one could add more danger. It is important that you’re comfortable driving with other people in your car before you take a group trip anywhere. Teens often need time before they can drive with others in the car.
Driving Times
There are many different drowsy driving tips but this one is very important. You can pick the time you leave to ensure you will be wide awake while driving. Avoid driving during the hours of midnight and 6 AM. You won’t get tired as easily if you are driving during regular awake hours. Drink caffeine if you have to drive during these hours for a short period of time. Just be sure you don’t drive for too long because these hours are common sleeping hours so your body will want to sleep. The best option is to just not drive when you’re tired.
