Definitions of drowsy driving generally involve varying uses and definitions of fatigue, sleepiness, and exhaustion. For the purpose of the discussion at hand, drowsy driving is simply driving in a physical state in which the driver’s alertness is appreciably lower than it would be if the driver were “well rested” and “fully awake.”
Warning signs of drowsy driving is:
- The inability to recall the last few miles traveled, 
- Having disconnected or wandering thoughts,
- Having difficulty focusing or keeping your eyes open,
- Feeling as though your head is very heavy,
- Drifting out of your driving lane, perhaps driving on the rumble strips,
- Yawning repeatedly,
- Accidentally tailgating other vehicles,
- Missing traffic signs.
Here are a few tips that can help you avoid falling asleep at the wheel:
- Get adequate and quality sleep before a trip;
- Avoid alcoholic beverages and heavy foods;
- Beware of medications that can impair your driving ability;
- Limit long distance driving — stop at least every two hours — and rest;
- Stop at a safe place and take a nap. Wait at least 10 minutes after waking up to see how alert you are. If you don’t feel any more alert, don’t drive. Find a place to sleep for an hour or for the night;
- If possible, drive with a companion and switch driving when necessary. Talk with passengers but not to the point of distraction;
- Keep the temperature cool in your vehicle. Keep your eyes moving and check your mirrors often.
- Avoid caffeine-type drinks like coffee or cola. They provide a short-term boost, however, if you are seriously sleep deprived, no amount of caffeine will help. It’s best to stay off the road.
- If possible, avoid driving during the peak drowsy times — from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m., and from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m.
Which groups are at risk for drowsy driving?
Based on the crash data and survey and focus group research, the following groups of drivers are most at risk: young drivers; male drivers; persons who work long hours, nontraditional work schedules, and/or rotating shifts; commercial drivers; persons who have been drinking or have taken certain medications; and persons with undiagnosed sleep disorders. All drivers are at risk in certain situations, for example, when driving long distances without rest breaks.
Each year, at least, 40,000 people are injured in drowsy driver crashes. For the same reasons as above, this is also probably an underestimate.
At least 100,000 crashes are caused by drowsy drives, each year.
62% of surveyed American adults (72% of men and 54% of women) reported driving while feeling drowsy.
37% of surveyed American adults (49% of men and 26% of women) said they have dozed off while driving at least once.
27% of surveyed American adults (36% of men and 20% of women) said they have dozed off while driving in the past year.
20% of surveyed Canadian adults said they have dozed off while driving in the past year.
40% of surveyed Irish adults said they have experienced driver fatigue in the past year.
12% of surveyed people say sleeplessness affected their driving.
