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If You Are Tired or Sleepy

Driving is NOT Recommended

Its luxury. 

It gives independence. 

Its cheaper to move.

While keeping all these plus points in mind we still can not ignore the rate of occurrence of accidents on the roads today, which makes it quit unsafe. Its really petty that most of the drivers think that they are both safer and skillful than the average driver, but we can not all be perfect. In more than 90% of traffic accidents, human error is the main cause, accidents do not just happen by chance they are the consequence of the unsafe driving practice. Most drivers involved in accidents do not accept that they contributed to it. Everyone does not have the courage to be self-critical and learn from the experience to improve what had missed on that unfortunate time.

Being realistic is the key factor and a positive attitude towards self improvement, its true a lot of driving errors can lead us to unpleasant results. At the same time we should not forget that drivers physical and emotional state of health which also contribute a lot in traffic safety, if a driver is exhausted he can lead himself and other road users to danger.

Recent researches done in many countries, reveals that approximately 25-30% of automobile collisions result from driver fatigue.

Sleepiness may adversely affect your alertness and ability to drive safely. Fatigue related collisions occur at high speeds and can result in head-on collisions with other vehicles or stationary objects. The chance for fatalities is very high.

Common Situations

Many of us have experienced sleepiness while driving. It might occur when driving after lunch or on a long trip. It could be caused from lack of sleep, or inadequate sleep over a period of time. Too much physical activity can also tire you out. Stress can cause you to feel fatigued. , it’s a common thinking that in our fast-paced lives no one has time to pull-over and have rest, but deciding to drive while tired or sleepy places yourself and others at great risk for a very serious accident. Whatever the cause,

being sleepy or fatigued while driving is more dangerous than you think.

Myths

Most people believe that turning up the radio or rolling down a window will keep them alert and awake. This is not true. Chewing gum, eating, or drinks will not relieve your fatigue. We have very little control over the onset of sleep. Studies prove that people have a limited ability to predict the onset of sleep, even if we think we do. Consequently, many people choose to ignore the signals that sleep is needed. They continue their trip believing they will make it to their destination safely.

Signs of Sleepiness

Your body will tell you when you are sleepy. Do not ignore the following warning signs:

A drowsy, relaxed feeling

Blurred vision

Difficulty keeping your eyes open

Head nodding

Excessive yawning

Repeatedly drifting out of your lane

Who Is at Risk?

Everybody is at risk of collisions because of fatigue, especially:

Commercial drivers

Shift-workers with alternate shifts

People on monotonous drives

People with undiagnosed sleep disorders such as sleep apnea* and narcolepsy**

If you do not fall within one of these main categories, it is still important not to place yourself in a situation that involves driving when you are tired. Good ways to avoid sleepiness while driving are to:

Get plenty of sleep prior to a long trip.

Pull off the road for physical activity, caffeine, or a short nap (25 minutes at-least).

Travel with another person and take turns driving.

Avoid taking over-the-counter drugs such as allergy pills, cold medications, pain pills, and muscle relaxants.

Avoid driving after taking prescription drugs.

These can cause sleepiness.

*What Is Sleep Apnea?

Sleep apnea results from obstructed breathing while asleep. Relaxed throat muscles and tongue cause obstruction making it difficult to breath. The obstructed airflow can last from seconds to minutes. When this happens, the natural reaction is to awaken and resume regular breathing. This sleep/wake cycle can occur many times during sleep without the person's awareness. As a result, the person does not rest well. The lack of restful sleep over a period of time causes the person to feel fatigued and sleepy.

A lot of people with sleep apnea, snore, snort, and /or jerk in their sleep. If you feel tired all of the time, but do not know why, consult your physician about sleep apnea. Driving should be avoided until treatment has been prescribed.

**What is Narcolepsy?

Narcolepsy is uncontrollable bouts of drowsiness characterized by excessive daytime sleepiness and an irresistible urge to sleep. These episodes can occur without warning, several times during the day, lasting from seconds to minutes. Consult your physician if you have these symptoms. A person with narcolepsy should not drive, until the condition is medically controlled.

If you fell in any of these categories driving is not Recommended.

Drive safe till next time ………