Approaching school holidaysmany people will be hitting the road to go on vacation or visit relatives. While it is normal to feel tired after hours of driving, we should not overlook the risks that this represents the sleepiness driving. It can manifest itself through yawning, heavy eyelids, and difficulty staying awake. For drivers, these signs should not be ignored because, “the risk of accidents within the next half hour is multiplied by 3 or 4”recalls Professor Damien Léger, president of the Scientific Council of the National Institute of Sleep and Vigilance on the Road Safety website.
Moreover, 71% of drivers say they are in favour of preventive measures to prevent the fatal effects of fatigue at the wheel, according to an Opinion Way survey conducted in collaboration with Bultex. In order to know how to react at the first signs of drowsiness, Dr Philip Alapat, from Baylor College of Medicine (United States), recalled the right actions to take.
Drowsiness at the wheel: what are the factors that promote fatigue?
According to the expert, fatigue from the journey is not the only element that can promote drowsiness at the wheel. In fact, he points out that many other factors can influence it. For example, “People may be sleep deprived because they have went to bed late the day before to prepare the trip and they want to leave early“, he said. He also explained that some have work to complete before going on vacation, which can push them to lack of sleepHe adds that the desire to stay awake to drive late instead of sleeping is also likely to lead to a greater risk of drowsy driving.
“All of these situations can lead to significant sleep deprivation. which will inevitably end up causing excessive drowsiness and fatigue, which can be very dangerous when driving and trying to maintain attention on the road“, a conclu Philip Alapat.
Here are the right actions to take at the first signs of drowsiness while driving
Road Safety reminds thatand deadly accident out of three is associated with drowsinessit is therefore essential not to take risks as soon as you feel the first signs of drowsiness. For drivers who feel tired, Dr. Philip Alapat recommends stop for a moment at a rest area, or change drivers. It also recommends to do not abuse caffeineas he explains that it should only be used to increase alertness for short periods of time and that it cannot in any way eliminate the feeling of drowsiness. He adds that high doses of caffeine can contribute to poor quality sleepwhich prevents you from really resting.
According to the expert, The important thing is to get enough sleep, especially before a long trip. “Respect your body’s need for sleep and try not to exhaust yourself“, said Philip Alapat.It is better to take a break and arrive safely than not arrive at all.”, he concluded.
Sources :
- Deny a drowsy drive – Bayton College of Medicine – 1er juillet 2024
- Fatigue and driving – Road safety
- HOLIDAYS – Fatigue at the wheel, this silent scourge – Opinion Way survey for Bultex – July 2024
