When you think about car accidents, you may feel the only dangers you should worry about are drunk, distracted and aggressive drivers. But did you know you could be a danger to yourself and other motorists if you are feeling fatigued behind the wheel? According to CBSNews.com, “sleepy motorists are just as dangerous as intoxicated/drunk drivers.” Drowsy driving is a very common occurrence that increases the number of driving errors motorists make and motor vehicle wrecks on the roads.
It is important for you to know what signs to watch for so you can protect yourself and everyone else.
Signs you are too drowsy to drive safely
If you find yourself yawning or blinking excessively, you should get off the roads. Some medications have side effects that cause drowsiness. Observe your body’s response to any medications you are on. If you feel tired or fatigued, you should wait until you feel more alert and awake before you get behind the wheel. Other signs that indicate that you are not rested well enough to drive include drifting in your lane, driving past your exit or destination and trouble remembering where you are going.
Make sure you get enough sleep at night before you head out for the day. If you are a shift worker, you should try to incorporate a few naps into your schedule in addition to your regular rest time. If you find yourself losing focus or becoming sleepy while operating your vehicle, you should pull over to somewhere safe so you can close your eyes for a few moments to take a nap. If a roadside nap is not possible, have another licensed motorist take over your driving duties so you can rest while traveling. It is important for you to realize that rolling your window down and listening to loud music are not effective ways to keep you awake when you are too drowsy to drive. With a little preparation and more rest, you can avoid falling asleep behind the wheel.