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How drowsy driving could affect you

Alexa Berg, Minot

Slowed reaction time, impaired judgment, decreased attention, and risk taking are symptoms of drowsy driving. Drowsy driving is a dangerous, and often overlooked safety issue. Individuals that drive drowsy are less aware to surrounding hazards and have a harder time paying attention.

Due to drowsy driving, some people may experience short involuntary periods of forgetfulness, missing a turn or not remembering a period of driving. According to the “Governors Highway Safety Association every year about 100,000 police-reported crashes involve drowsy driving.

Do you drive drowsy? According to The National Sleep Foundation, half of U.S. adult drivers admit to consistently getting behind the wheel while feeling drowsy and 20% report falling asleep. Individuals who are more at risk for drowsy driving are young drivers because of less driving experience and tendency to drive at night, especially males the age of 16-25.

If you are an individual who works night shift, rotating shifts, or more than one job, you are six times more likely to drive drowsy. Sleep disorders have a huge impact on drowsy driving. People who have untreated sleep disorders, such as sleep apnea, are also at high risk, as well as individuals who have insomnia.

Some people may not even be aware that they are drowsy but being aware of the signs of drowsy driving can help you take action to prevent any motor vehicle crashes and injuries to yourself or others. The symptoms include:

– Difficulty staying focused

– Daydreaming and wandering thoughts

– Yawning

– Difficulty keeping eyes open

– Drifting in and out of your lane

– Missing signs and exits

– Restlessness, irritable and aggressive

– Slowed reaction time and poor judgement

The best way to prevent drowsy driving motor vehicle crashes and injuries, is to get adequate sleep. If you are noticing any sleep problems seek treatment. Before you get in the car ask yourself, “Am I too sleepy to drive?”, “Did I have adequate sleep to drive?”, or “Did I take any medication that may cause drowsiness?”

If the answer is yes to any of those questions do not drive keep yourself and others safe. If you are driving and notice some symptoms, please do not rely on the radio or rolling down the window to keep you awake. I urge you to get off the road take a rest, find a safe place to take a 15-20 minute nap, or find a safe ride whether that be a friend or a taxi service and don’t rely on caffeine for long periods.

Take responsibility for your safety and the safety of the others on the road. Be aware of the consequences of driving drowsy, the symptoms, and what you can do to prevent any drowsy crashes or injuries.

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