Asleep at the Wheel
We are all guilty of it at one time or another—driving sleepy! Sleepy drivers are a major public health and safety problem. About 100,000 motor vehicle accidents reported each year can be contributed to sleepy drivers.
Danger Signs for Sleepy Drivers:
• Eyes closing or going out of focus by themselves
• Trouble keeping your head up
• Yawning nonstop
• Wandering, disconnected thoughts
• Not remembering driving for the last few minutes
• Drifting between lanes, tailgating, or missing traffic signs
• Jerking the car back into the lane
Safe Driving Tips:
• Get enough sleep the night before any trip; most people need an average of seven to eight hours of sleep per night.
• If you become sleepy while driving, stop driving and find a safe place to take a nap.
• Avoid driving during your body’s natural “down time”—midnight to 6 a.m.
• Don’t drive alone, don’t start lengthy trips late in the day, and avoid long drives at night.
• Schedule a break every two hours or every 100 miles; stop sooner if you experience one of the danger signs.
For more information on sleep disorders, call the Sleep Lab at 426-4530.
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