Drowsy Driving will put you and others at risk!

In general, since all humans require sleep on a daily basis, any driver can be affected by fatigue putting them and you at risk of a crash… Learn who is at risk, what factors increase the risk, the signs of fatigue and what can be done to reduce the risk.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration conservatively estimates that 100,000 police-reported crashes are the direct result of driver fatigue each year. This results in an estimated 1,550 deaths, 71,000 injuries, and $12.5 billion in monetary losses. These figures may be the tip of the iceberg, since currently it is difficult to attribute crashes to sleepiness.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration the following groups are at higher risks:

Young people, especially males under 29

Shift workers and people with long work hours, working the night shift. The National Sleep Foundation reports it “increases your risk by nearly 6 times”.

People with undiagnosed or untreated sleep disorders.

Other factors that could put you at risk:

Working more than 60 hours a week “increases your risk by 40%” reported by the National Sleep Foundation.

Working more than one job and your main job involves shift work

Drinking even small amounts of alcohol

Driving alone or on a long, rural, dark or boring road

Sleep-deprived or fatigued, “6 hours of sleep or less” triples your risk” reported by the National Sleep Foundation.

Driving long distances without appropriate rest breaks

Driving through the night, mid-afternoon (for older adults) or when you would normally be asleep

Taking sedating medications, antidepressants, cold tablets, antihistamines, and other prescribed or over the counter medications

Do you know the signs?

Difficulty focusing, frequent blinking, or heavy eyelids

Daydreaming; wandering thoughts

Trouble remembering the last few miles driven

Yawning repeatedly or rubbing your eyes

Trouble keeping your head up

Drifting from your lane, tailgating, or hitting the rumble strip

Feeling restless and irritable

What can you do?

Get adequate sleep before driving

Healthy eating habits and consuming caffeine drinks

Schedule breaks every 100 miles or every 2 hours

Arrange for a driving companion

Avoid over the counter and prescription medications that cause drowsiness…NEVER DRINK & DRIVE

Seek medical attention if you suspect undiagnosed or untreated sleep disorders

Educate yourself or seek information on shift-work measures that may help reduce the risk of fatigue while driving

With the increase of traffic in Richland County and surrounding communities we all need to be aware of the dangers of driving…. Your best protection and defense is a seat-belt. BUCKLE UP each and every time…whether it be short or long distance and make sure you passengers BUCKLE UP….they could injure your in a crash.

For more information please contact Mary Friesz, Richland County Injury Prevention Specialist at the Richland County Health Department 433-2207.