In a recent study by the Center for Disease Control, one out of 24 U.S. adults admits to falling asleep at least in the previous month. Experts believe the number is actually much higher. Motorists often do not realize it when they fell into a second or two "micro-sleep."
A third of all drivers admit they have fallen asleep at the wheel. Drowsy driving causes at least 100,000 crashes and more than 1,500 deaths annually in the United States. A second of drowsiness can be very dangerous. It only takes a second for a horrendous car accident to happen.
An earlier study down by the National Sleep Foundation in 2005 has even scarier statistics. The foundation reported that 60 percent of adult drivers admitted to driving while drowsy. 37 percent actually nodded off while driving. 13 percent admitted to routinely nodding off, while driving, at least once a month. 4 percent of the survey pool also admitted to causing or almost causing an accident because they were drowsy. This number may seem small, but assuming there are at least 200 million drivers, this means that 8 million are diving while drowsy.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration estimated 100,000 crashes, 40,000 injuries, and 1,550 deaths a year caused by drowsy driving. The CDC research also shows that men are more likely to nod off while driving. Drivers who routinely get less than 6 hours of sleep a night were also more susceptible to drowsiness.
In a study done by the Virginia Tech Transportation Institute, researchers found that drowsiness contributed to about 20 percent of all crashes. Researchers also found that a drowsy motorist was for to six times more likely to be involved in a collision in comparison to a wide awake driver.
Drowsy driving is much more difficult to detect than drunken driving. However, drowsy driving can just be as dangerous. Car manufacturers have been working on car technology to prevent drowsy driving. Some new vehicles are programmed to spot signs of a drowsy driver. Most of these vehicles have technology that alert the driver. Ford has a drowsy driving alert with its 2013 Fusion sedan. The vehicle has a forward-facing camera that watches visible road markings. If the car is drifting out of its lane, the system alerts the driver by vibrating the steering wheel.
Before driving, all drivers should consider whether they are sleep deprived. Driving long distances and through the night can contribute to drowsiness. Medication can also contribute drowsiness. Long work weeks can also contribute to drowsiness. Drivers that work more than 60 hours a week increase their risk by 40%. Drinking alcohol can also contribute to drowsiness.
If you are worried about becoming drowsy while driving, there are many ways to avoid drowsiness. Get plenty of sleep before a long trip. Avoid driving late at night if you know you are going to drive for long hours. Take a break from driving about every two hours or 100 miles. If you know you are going to drive all night, do not work all day. Caffeinated beverages
can also help keep you awake. Traveling with a partner can also help you stay alert.
If you ever find yourself in a car accident, call the Law Offices of Dara Khajavi.
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