Whenever we discuss driving no-no’s, we almost immediately bring up impaired driving due to drugs or alcohol. There is, however, another hidden danger on the road. Driving while tired is a problem that often goes unnoticed. Busy professionals, parents, medical patients and just about anyone with a packed schedule can find themselves dozing off while driving. Needless to say, this presents very serious dangers.
What are the effects of sleep deprivation on driving?
On behalf of Sleep Foundation, Vancouver native, Danielle Pacheco explains that “after approximately 18 hours of being awake, the effects on reaction time, vigilance, multi-tasking, and hand-eye coordination are comparable to having a blood alcohol content of 0.05%. After 20 hours of being awake, drowsy drivers are impaired on a level equatable to a 0.08% blood alcohol content.”
Evidently, a lack of sleep can impact the brain. When you’re fatigued, you can experience unintentional moments of sleep that last a few seconds each. This, of course, is problematic enough to cause devastating outcomes. Even a second without consciousness behind the wheel can lead to a catastrophic accident. Running a red light, merging into oncoming traffic or missing an important sign are all potential outcomes of being too tired to drive.
What causes driver fatigue?
In many cases, behind too tired to drive doesn’t necessarily come as a result of sleep deprivation. Sometimes, you can simply be overwhelmed by your personal and professional responsibilities. Did you experience a particularly stressful day at work? Do you contend with a sleep disorder such as sleep apnea or insomnia? Are you on any medications that have drowsiness as a side effect? These can all be factors in making driving dangerous for you.
The Insurance Corporation of British Columbia (ICBC) reports that even the simple act of celebrating special occasions can lead to fatigue-related crashes. “ICBC data shows that the number of people injured or killed each month in driver-fatigue related crashes is 58% higher in July and August compared to the rest of the year,” reveals their website, “Over the B.C. Day long weekend, on average, two people are killed and 562 people injured in 2,064 crashes throughout the province.”
What can be done to prevent driving while drowsy?
First and foremost, it’s important to be honest with yourself. If you start to feel drowsy, it’s much safer to pull over than to power through it. Park the car, get out and stretch, grab a coffee and be sure to be alert before getting back behind the wheel. Secondly, aim to get at least seven to nine hours of sleep each night. Needless to say, adequate sleep is vital in order to be a safe and attentive driver at all times.
You may also want to avoid driving during peak fatigue times. The body’s circadian rhythm naturally dips in alertness in the early afternoon and late at night. Try to avoid scheduling long drives during these times. Finally, your best bet is to have someone else do your driving for you.
At MyDDride, we provide a safe alternative when you’re too tired to drive.
Our experienced designated drivers take you home in the comfort of your own vehicle, so you don’t have to worry about your car’s location. With a friendly, trained driver at the wheel and a support vehicle following to ensure your journey goes smoothly, we take the stress out of getting home when fatigue hits. Please don’t hesitate to give us a call at 604-283-8532 or fill out the form on our Contact page!