Sleep deprivation is, unfortunately, a normal part of life. In America, we live in a very go-go-go type of society. Between demanding jobs, managing children, maintaining a social life, and fitting in hobbies, getting an adequate amount of sleep often gets put on the backburner.
Driving a vehicle, though a normal part of life, can become a real danger if the driver is impaired in any way. We know that we shouldn’t drink and drive, and we know not to text and drive. However, most of us do not truly understand the effects of driving when we are sleep-deprived.
Drowsy Driving vs. Drinking and Driving
Drowsy driving can be just as dangerous as drinking or texting and can severely impair driving ability.
According to the CDC, if you are awake for 18 straight hours, it is like having a blood-alcohol level of .05. That is cutting it awfully close to the legal limit, which is .08. If you are awake for a 24 hour period, it is like having a blood alcohol concentration of .10! When you drive while being sleep deprived, your reaction time is slow, and your ability to focus is impaired.
Having just 4 hours of sleep makes it so we are 15 times more likely to get in a car accident! Surprisingly, 16% of fatal motor vehicle crashes are caused by drowsy driving and 7% of all crashes.
Safe Driving Tips to Avoid Drowsy Driving
When driving, the key is to avoid getting in an accident. If you are drowsy and cause an accident, you are liable. Here are some safe driving tips to help you avoid being drowsy behind the wheel.
1- Get a Good Night’s Sleep
While this may be an obvious way to avoid drowsy driving, it is no secret that a good night’s rest easily gets the boot. If you have a long road trip planned for the next day, or if life circumstances will cause you to be drowsy at the time of your driving, plan accordingly. Make sure to prioritize about 8 hours of sleep the night before, and it might save a life.
2- Avoid Driving Through the Night
Avoid road trips or late-night driving, as most drowsy driving accidents happen in the dead of night. Plan driving accordingly, and choose an alert time of day.
3- Pull Over and Take a Nap
If you find yourself unable to keep your eyes open while behind the wheel, do not try to power through. Instead, pull over to a secure, preferably well-lit area and take a 20-minute nap. You will be surprised at how much a power nap will help! If it is late at night, consider staying at a hotel and sleeping through the night so you can get a fresh start in the morning!
4- Drink Some Caffeine
Whether it be soda, energy drinks, coffee, or tea, drink a caffeinated beverage for a quick fix to help wake you up a little bit.
5- Drive with a Buddy
If you can, have another person be in the car with you. Engage in a conversion, play loud music, and ask the passenger to switch off driving with you every couple of hours.
The bottom line is, if you are sleep-deprived, avoid driving at all if you can help it. It is better to be safe than sorry.
Sleep deprivation is, unfortunately, a normal part of life. In America, we live in a very go-go-go type of society. Between demanding jobs, managing children, maintaining a social life, and fitting in hobbies, getting an adequate amount of sleep often gets put on the backburner.
