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Drowsy Driving Is Everyone’s Problem

Americans are burning the midnight oil. There’s no doubt about that. Roughly a third of Americans reportedly get less than six hours of sleep a night. Experts, however, suggest that most people need between seven and eight hours a night.

Blame it on overstimulation from the use of technology and caffeine, peoples’ crazy work schedules, higher stress, financial challenges or over commitment, the results are the same – impaired performance on daily tasks including driving.

Fatigued drivers are likely to experience focus problems on roadways and to have slower response times. Their ability to make decisions tends to be affected also.

The National Sleep Foundation says that more men than women report driving drowsy and that more drowsy drivers tend to fall between the ages of 18 and 29. The organization notes “nearly ¼ of adults in the U.S. say they know someone personally who has fallen asleep at the wheel.”

At least 100,000 crashes a year are attributed to drowsy drivers, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

If you’re getting ready to head out on a trip, be sure to get at least seven hours of sleep the night before you leave. It’s also a good idea to drive during hours you’re normally awake and avoid eating a heavy meal or taking any medication that can make you drowsy before you head out on Missouri roadways.

The Center for Disease Control encourages you to pull off the road for a caffeinated beverage or a short nap in a safe place, or change drivers, if possible, when you:

• Yawn or blink frequently
• Can’t remember the past few miles driven
• Miss your exit
• Drift from your lane
• Hit the rumble strip on the side of the road.

The Spirit West Rapid Refinisher team wishes you a good night’s sleep and safe travels.