Vehicle Safety: Drowsy Driving

Fatigue on the Roadways Safety Talk

Driving While Fatigued

We have all been there- our eyes get heavy, we begin to close them, and then our head suddenly jerks up after hitting the rumble strips on the side of the road. When this occurs it will wake an individual up, but only for a short period. This is an unsafe act that is quite common on our roadways. In fact, the CDC states on their website that an estimated 1 in 25 adult drivers (aged 18 years or older) report having fallen asleep while driving in the previous 30 days.

Fatigued driving can be caused by any number of factors. The most common cause of fatigued driving is lack of sleep. It can also be caused or made worse by untreated sleep disorders, medications, drinking alcohol, or shift work.

How to Avoid Being Fatigued While Driving

• Get plenty of rest. It is recommended to get a minimum of seven hours of sleepa night.
• It is important to understand the side effects of medication before using it at work or while driving.
• Eat a better diet. Food to humans is as gasoline is to a car- if you put dirty gas in your car it will not run well. Same goes with your body!
• For short periods of less intense fatigue, use caffeinated beverages to help you wake up.
• Pull over somewhere safe and take a short nap if you find yourself tired behind the wheel.

Summary

Driving is one of the more hazardous tasks we complete often. When you pair it with unsafe acts such as driving while fatigued, you not only put yourself at risk, but you also put everyone around you at risk. Be proactive in preventing fatigue and drowsiness.