Driver drowsiness ... may impair a driver’s response time to potential hazards, increasing the chances of being in a crash. Fatigue may cause slow reaction time, reduced attention, memory lapses, lack of awareness, mood changes, and reduced judgment ability.
Indicators of drowsiness include:
- Frequent yawning
- Heavy eyes
- Blurred vision
If you do become drowsy while driving, be sure to choose a safe place to pull over and rest.
Driver Fatigue Prevention
Driver fatigue mimics alcohol impairment and compromises drivers’ alertness, decision-making, and reaction times, making driving while drowsy a dangerous risk on the road. According to the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, 37% of U.S. workers get less than the recommended minimum of seven hours of sleep. Workers whose job involves long hours of driving, shiftwork, or a long commute, are at increased risk of driving fatigue.
Factors in driving fatigue include:
- Lack of sleep due to long or irregular shift work hours
- Poor sleep quality
- Driving during your normal sleeping hours (midnight to 6 am)
- Consuming alcohol or taking medications that can cause drowsiness
Symptoms Signs and symptoms of driver fatigue include:
- Burning or a heavy sensation in the eyes, an inability to focus, or frequent blinking and yawning
- Muscle twitching and back tension
- Wandering or disconnected thoughts
- Missing an exit, drifting in/out of a lane, crossing roadway lines, or hitting a rumble strip on the side of the road
- Heavy, tingly, or numb sensation in limbs and shallow breathing
Take these steps to prevent driver fatigue and its harmful effects:
- Get enough sleep. Most adults need seven to eight hours per night
- Avoid driving during normal sleeping hours, and if possible, don’t drive alone
- Before driving, eat light rather than heavy meals/snacks
- Limit coffee to one or two cups. The effects of coffee or energy drinks last only a short time
- Take breaks every two hours. On a break, get out of the vehicle and walk
- Keep the driver’s area cool and well-ventilated
- Avoid alcohol and any medications that can cause drowsiness
