Driver Fatigue

You’ve been there before, driving and struggling to keep your eyes open. Drowsy driving can be as dangerous as drunk driving. When you are tired or fatigued, your reaction time, coordination, and vision all suffer.

In 2009, 2.5% (832) of fatal crashes in the United States were reported to involve drowsy driving. And 1.3% (72,000) of all injury crashes in 2009 had reports involving drowsy drivers.
(NHTSA – Traffic Safety Facts Crash Stats: Drowsy Driving)

So what can you do to combat drowsy driving before it begins?

1. Get enough sleep regularly.
2. Keep your eyes moving and continually scan the roadway to avoid ‘highway hypnosis’.
3. Regulate the temperature in the car. Don’t let it get too warm. Open a window and get some fresh air moving.
4. Take breaks. Get out of the car and move around.

Remember, if you start to feel fatigued behind the wheel, the best thing to do is to pull over in a safe place and get some rest.