It has probably happened to you. You are driving on a long trip, traveling alone or at night, or perhaps just off from a long shift at work—and you start to yawn. Your eyes are heavy, the road seems to go on forever, and your vehicle veers. You have just entered a danger zone.
Drowsy driving is estimated to contribute to as many as 1.2 million collisions, resulting in potentially 5,000 to 8,000 deaths a year. But despite these risks, experts agree that drowsy driving is far too common.
Research shows that nearly a third of drivers admitted to driving within the prior 30 days when they were so tired that they had trouble keeping their eyes open. This lack of sleep slows reaction time, impairs judgment and increases the risk of dozing off while driving.
Every driver should know the warning signs and how to avoid drowsy driving. Having trouble keeping your head up, nodding off, veering into another lane or onto the rumble strip, and frequent yawning — are all signals that you are too drowsy to drive safely.
Sleep is the best remedy. Rolling down the windows, turning up the radio or drinking a caffeinated beverage are not enough to stave off drowsiness.
If you are drowsy while behind the wheel, find a safe, legal place off the roadway to take a quick nap. Or take a break to recharge with exercise. Physical activity such as a brisk walk or moving around offers a natural boost of energy.