The Dangers of Driving While Sleep Deprived
Do you frequently go on long driving trips? During these drives, be aware of the onset of fatigue, drowsiness, or just plain boredom— here’s how you can identify the warning signs and put some preventative measures in action.
Dangers
Fatigue lessens your capability to perform tasks, such as driving. This is because senses are dulled and both mental and physical processes are slower than they would be with a well-rested mind. Fatigue can also cause drowsiness, and drowsy drivers are the cause of many preventable collisions and close calls. Nearly one of five fatal car crashes involve drowsiness. In addition, the majority of the drivers involved in these types of crashes don’t recognize their condition at the time.
Warning Signs
There are several warning signs of drowsiness that drivers need to be aware of. For instance, if you find that you’re traveling well below the speed limit for extended periods of time or suddenly tailgating other vehicles, you may be experiencing this dangerous driving condition. Other signs include: having a fixed stare, trouble keeping your head up, drifting between lane positions, and the inability to concentrate on the road due to wandering, disconnected thoughts.
Preventive Measures
Compensate for fatigue on long drives by resting before you start. Rest is the only true remedy for fatigue, however, people often need to drive even when they’re tired. If you’re tired after work or school, take a break for a few minutes before driving. Try to take a “safety stop” at least once every two hours or after 100 miles. During this time, make sure you get out of the car to walk, stretch, or grab a snack. If you’re traveling with others, you can also change drivers during these routine breaks.
Frequently asked questions
How does sleep deprivation compare to alcohol impairment?
An adult who has been awake for 18 hours has the reaction time of someone with a 0.05% blood alcohol content. Awake for 24 hours equals roughly 0.10% — above the legal limit in every state. The CDC has documented this comparison since 2000.
What are the warning signs of drowsy driving?
Frequent yawning, heavy eyelids, head nods, drifting from the lane, missing exits, hitting the rumble strip, daydreaming or 'highway hypnosis.' Once you experience any of these, you have minutes — not hours — before a micro-sleep.
What actually works to fight drowsy driving?
Sleep. Pull off at the next safe rest area or gas station. A 15–20 minute nap (not longer — longer than 30 minutes and you wake up groggy from REM rebound) dramatically extends your safe-driving window by 1–2 hours. Drink coffee right before the nap; caffeine hits as you wake up.
Do rolling down the windows or loud music help?
No. Rolling down windows, turning up the radio, slapping yourself, or opening a soda do not address sleep debt. They might keep you awake for 5–15 minutes — just long enough to get further from a safe place to pull over.
