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The Dangers Of Drowsy Driving

It is estimated that at least 100,000 crashes a year result from tired drivers. Drowsy driving, the dangerous combination of sleepiness and driving or driving while fatigued, and can result from many underlying causes, including excessive sleepiness, sleep deprivation, changes in circadian rhythm due to shift work, fatigue, medications with sedatives and consuming alcohol when tired. The cumulative effects of these factors have severe effects on performance, alertness, memory, concentration and reaction times.

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The Dangers Of Drowsy Driving

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  1. The Dangers Of Drowsy Driving

  2. Overview • Drowsy driving, the dangerous combination of sleepiness and driving or driving while fatigued. • Drowsy Driving is a growing problem in the United States, and the risk, danger and often tragic outcomes of drowsy driving are sobering. • According to a survey, nine of 10 police officers reported stopping a driver who they believed was drunk but turned out to be drowsy. • Further, data indicate 80,000 individuals fall asleep at the wheel each day and there are more than 250,000 sleep-related motor vehicle accidents each year. • It is estimated that twenty percent of all serious transportation injuries on the nation’s highways are related to sleep.

  3. Signs of Drowsy Driving • Frequent yawning • Inability to keep your eyes open • Trouble holding your head up • Wandering thoughts/reveries • Drifting into another lane • Missing road signs or driving past turns • You can’t remember driving the last few miles. • You end up too close to cars in front of you.

  4. Who is at Risk for Driving while Drowsy? • ƒ Young people, particularly males • ƒ Shift workers ƒ • People who work long hours ƒ • Commercial drivers, especially those who drive a significant number of miles at night ƒ • Sleep deprived individuals ƒ • Persons with undiagnosed or untreated sleep disorders ƒ • Those who have consumed alcohol • ƒ People taking prescription medication that contain sedatives

  5. Tips to avoid becoming drowsy while driving • Get enough sleep - American Academy of Sleep Medicine recommends adults get seven to eight hours of sleep each night in order to maintain good health and optimum performance. ƒ • Take breaks while driving - If one becomes drowsy while driving, it is recommended he or she pulls off to a rest area and takes a short nap, preferably 15 to 20 minutes in length. ƒ • Do not drink alcohol - Alcohol can further impair a person’s ability to stay awake and make decisions; taking the wheel after having just one glass of alcohol can affect one’s level of fatigue. ƒ • Do not drive late at night - Avoid driving after midnight, which is a natural period of sleepiness. • Driving when on medication that causes drowsiness - Be aware of medications that make you drowsy and, if possible, do not take them before driving. If taking medications is unavoidable, have a friend drive you.

  6. Statistics • One in five adults reports getting insufficient sleep. ƒ • Problems falling asleep or daytime sleepiness affect 35 to 40 percent of the population. ƒ • Driver sleepiness is related to one in five serious motor vehicle injuries. ƒ • More than 50 million Americans suffer from a chronic sleep disorder.

  7. Schedule An Appointment Today If you are experiencing any type of sleep disorders, please contact us online or by calling 708-364-0261 to set up an appointment with one of our board-certified sleep specialists.

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