OSEA Safety Blog

In the hustle and bustle of modern life, sleep often takes a backseat to work, socializing, and other responsibilities. Unfortunately, this prioritization of activities over rest can have deadly consequences when individuals get behind the wheel while drowsy. Drowsy driving, often underestimated and overshadowed by its more infamous counterpart, drunk driving, poses a significant threat to road safety, claiming thousands of lives and causing countless accidents each year.

The Hidden Danger

Drowsy driving occurs when a person operates a motor vehicle while feeling fatigued or sleepy. This state of impaired alertness can result from various factors, including sleep deprivation, untreated sleep disorders, medication side effects, and long hours of driving without adequate breaks. Unlike drunk driving, which is typically accompanied by visible signs of intoxication, drowsy driving can be more challenging to detect, making it a silent killer on our roads.

The Toll on Safety

The consequences of drowsy driving can be devastating. Fatigue diminishes a driver's ability to pay attention to the road, increases the likelihood of drifting out of lanes, slows reaction times, and impairs judgment – factors that significantly raise the risk of accidents. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), they rely on police and hospital documentation to assess the occurrence of crashes caused by drowsy driving. NHTSA's data indicates that in 2017, approximately 91,000 crashes reported by police involved drowsy drivers, resulting in an estimated 50,000 injuries and close to 800 fatalities (NHTSA, 2017).

Who is at Risk?

While anyone can become a victim of drowsy driving, certain groups are particularly vulnerable. According to an article written by the CDC, those who are at greater risk of drowsy driving and related crashes and deaths include:

• Teen and young adult drivers.
• Drivers on the road between midnight and 6 a.m. or in the later afternoon.
• Drivers who don’t get enough sleep.
• Commercial truck drivers.
• Drivers who work the night shift or long shifts.
• Drivers with untreated sleep disorders—like sleep apnea, where breathing repeatedly stops and starts.
• Drivers who use medicines that make them sleepy.

Preventing Drowsy Driving

Here is a list of ways you can prevent drowsy driving:

• Get enough sleep (aim for 7-9 hours per night)
• Develop a good sleep schedule
• If you have a sleep disorder, talk to your doctor about treatment options
• Refrain from driving if you feel excessively tired
• Plan ahead and schedule regular breaks during long journeys
• When possible, share driving responsibilities with a co-driver
• Before driving, avoid taking medicines that make you sleepy or drinking alcohol

By raising awareness, fostering a culture of responsible driving, and prioritizing adequate rest, we can work together to prevent needless tragedies on our roads. Remember, when it comes to driving, staying alert and well-rested isn't just a recommendation – it's a responsibility that we all share to ensure the safety of ourselves and others on the road.

Sources

NHSTA

CDC