Where once driving under the influence was the main reason traffic accidents occurred so frequently today lies a new threat to drivers on the road - Drowsy driving. Drowsy driving can lead to fatal car and truck accidents and there is little that can prevent the problem, aside from getting enough sleep.
The human body and mind are unique in that one can be extremely tired while the other continues to function. The body has the ability to be pushed beyond the safe levels of awareness in many situations. One of these situations is driving.
When drivers do not get enough sleep, they often show signs in their driving habits. Wavering from side to side on the road, is one key sign that the driver is impaired. This impaired nature may have nothing to do with alcohol or drugs, but may have everything to do with sleep deprivation.
With only four hours of sleep each night for a five day stretch, the body will begin to react to situations as if it were in a drunken state. This altered mind set is becoming more and more common with drivers who are pushing the limits of their minds and bodies in order to make that next dollar.
Many drivers will use various methods to try and remain awake while driving. These may include opening the window, listening to loud music or physically hitting oneself over and over again in order to wake up. But, the body often responds in an opposite manner than the one the driver is hoping for.
Once your eyes begin to feel heavy, the time for driving is already in the past. The body will shut down without a driver's permission and can lead to falling asleep at the wheel. Once asleep, even if only for a few seconds, the ability to drive is lost and the driver and other drivers are in the immediate danger of a severe accident.
The key to ensuring safe driving is to get at least 7 hours of sleep the night before you need to drive, have another adult ride along in case you begin to get tired and need someone to help with the driving.
If you find yourself tired and you have to drive somewhere, weigh the pros of the trip with the cons of possibly taking your own life, as well as, the lives of others into your own hands.
