Recent studies on the impact of drowsy driving have identified this as a significant issue in causing accidents. Estimates are as high as 20 per cent, of accidents resulting from drivers falling asleep at the wheel.
Getting the recommended daily allowance of sleep is challenging in this busy day and age, but just how much can your sleeping patterns affect your driving?
Being drowsy while driving can have as great an impact on your driving as drinking. Similar to alcohol, tiredness slows your reaction time, impairs your judgement and can increase your chance of an accident significantly.
A study conducted by Transport Canada showed that 60 per cent of Canadians had admitted to occasionally driving when feeling fatigued and 15 per cent admitted to falling asleep behind the wheel in that same year. It is estimated that 20 per cent of road accidents are the result of drowsy driving when eliminating other possible causes.
There are many symptoms to look out for when considering taking a drive. Yawning, of course is an obvious indicator. We can all admit to yawning as we get into our car in the morning before we reach for a coffee. However, its continuously yawning and the desire to rub your eyes and constant blinking are the warning signs that you might not be fit to drive.
If you're experiencing indications of zoning in and out, daydreaming and wandering thoughts as well as an inability to keep your eyes open, head nodding and forgetfulness, then you should strongly consider using another mode of transport. Even one of these symptoms is a strong enough indication of your inability to drive safely.
Sometimes it can be hard to admit when we feel tired, especially if we are anxious to get to our destination as soon as possible, but fatigue can cause you to drift between lanes and will make it increasingly difficult for you to focus on the road ahead. This not only puts you and your passengers in imminent danger but also other motorists and road users.
Many manufacturers have added a drowsy driver alert system into their models including Volvo who was the first to introduce theirs back in 2007 while Ford, Mercedes and Volkswagen soon followed their lead. These systems react to the driver's steering, recommending the driver stops and takes a nap or at the very least, consumes caffeine.
While this type of technology is constantly improving and we will see an influx of autonomous systems in the 2017 model year, the driver is still accountable for their actions while behind the wheel and it really is the responsibility of the driver to stay alert when embarking on a journey.
There are many ways to avoid falling asleep at the wheel and avoiding potential accidents. Taking a nap before you set out or during your journey, making sure to stop for coffee breaks, taking advantage of rest stops and swapping drivers, to name a few. You might arrive to your destination behind schedule but it will ensure your arrive safely.
Blair Qualey is President and CEO of the New Car Dealers Association of BC. You can email him at [email protected].
