If you are drowsy , feeling tired and exhausted after a daylong hackle then driving may not be the best option for you .This is because statistics show that a drowsy driver is more prone to get into an accident and drowsy driving results into 90,000 crashes per year approximately.
There are a number of skills which are affected as a person feels drowsy and fatigue according to National Sleep Foundation.
1. Reduced hand and eye coordination.
2. Experiencing ‘micro sleeps’.
3. Unusual driving behavior.
4. Impaired Vision.
5. Slow reaction time.
6. Lack of awareness of nearby vehicles as well as traffic signals and signs .
These symptoms hike as a person gets more tired and causes the driver to lose ability to operate the car safely.
Yes many people can feel a little drowsy behind wheels but there are some people who are at a greater risk than other . Such people include –
1 . Drivers having untreated sleep disorder.
2. People who take certain medications which causes drowsiness.
3. Night shifters with long working hours .
4. Any person who does not get enough sleep .
Drivers who are having these above risk factors should avoid and be especially careful while driving.
How you can avoid it –
There are a few measures which you can take to prevent drowsy driving while you are thinking to get on road. Check the list –
1. If you are up for a road trip ,plan ahead ,Schedule your sleep cycle and the best thing to do is to travel with someone who can share the driving which will give both of you scheduled breaks and keep you energetic.
2 . If you are a person who does late shifts, be sure to make up for the sleep which you lost at night .If sleeping during the day seems difficult, cover your windows with heavy curtains to make the room as dark as possible and avoid caffeine before bed time.
3 . Make sure you get enough sleep and rest before you get behind wheels.
4. Be aware of any medical issues be it any sleep disorder or medication which induces sleep, adjust the driving habits according to those.
Trying to drive while you are tired or drowsy is nothing but putting yourself and others in danger so before doing anything ,think twice .
Take break and rest when necessary and drive safely .