Driving While Drowsy can be Fatal:
Most drivers understand the dangers of texting and driving or drinking and driving, but many people underestimate how dangerous it is to drive while drowsy. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration estimates that every year about 100,000 police report drowsy driving crashes, resulting in nearly 800 fatalities. Fatigue is one of the most common contributing factors to crashes. Unfortunately, while driving while sleepy in today's world can be common, the consequences can be fatal.
Why is Drowsy Driving Dangerous?
Drowsy driving can be extremely dangerous because it mirrors drunk driving. Blurred vision, poor decision-making, and slow reaction times are all examples of mirrored symptoms of drunk driving and drowsy driving. While it is more common for drivers who drive long distances, drowsiness or sleepiness behind the wheel can happen to anyone. If you nod off, or your vision begins to blur, you should pull off of the road immediately.
What Causes Drowsy Driving?
Humans need an average of 7-9 hours of sleep to properly function. If you haven't gotten a good night's rest and you must drive, it is a good idea to hand the keys over to somebody who has. If you have recently started a new medication, it is a good idea to try it out for a couple of days before you start to drive. Night driving on new medication can often have unintended side effects. In addition, to the established consequences of drinking and driving, alcohol can make you sleepy, adding to the dangers of driving while under the influence.
How to Stay Awake While Driving:
It is crucial to prioritize safety on the road by being alert and well-rested before you start to drive. If you have issues with getting a good night's rest, you can read our blog post on tips for how to Sleep Better & Sleep Longer here. We suggest driving at times when you are usually awake and not rush while trying to get to your destination. If you feel yourself lacking in energy or being fatigued, we suggest taking a supplement such as Sol Nutritions GoGo Energy. This supplement is designed to provide a natural boost of energy without the harmful side effects of stimulants. By incorporating this supplement into your routine, you can enhance a long-lasting boost of energy without compromising your adrenals. No crash, no jitters, just naturally elevated levels throughout the day.
Prioritize Getting Rest Before Driving:
As stated before, it is important to get a full night's sleep before you embark on your journey. For some people, getting a good night's sleep can be challenging. However, practicing good sleeping patterns is exceptionally important and can help prevent drowsy driving. If you have issues with getting a restful night of sleep, we suggest implementing Sol Nutritions Sleep Deeply supplement into your routine. This unique herbal supplement allows you to sleep and rest when you need to, without interfering with your daily routine. Whether you take it during the day or at night, it gently guides your body into a state of deep relaxation, ensuring a restful and rejuvenating sleep experience.
Takeaway:
Driving while sleepy is extremely dangerous and can encompass risks to both the driver and others on the road. This can lead to delayed reaction responses, unstable driving patterns, and loss of control behind the wheel, resulting in injuries or fatal accidents. The effects of drowsy driving are more severe than people realize. If you are awake for more than 18 hours, the effect on your body is the same as if you had a blood alcohol content of 0.05 percent. According to the CDC, after being awake for more than 24 hours it would be similar to having a blood alcohol content of 0.10 percent, which exceeds the legal limits in all states. To avoid drowsiness while driving, don't drink and drive, avoid driving long distances if you are driving alone, sleep well the night before, and drive at the times you usually do.