Because of the hustle and bustle of life, it’s common for some residents of West Virginia to regularly miss out on a good night’s sleep. While common, it can be a deadly combination if people get behind the wheel after a lack of sleep.
By driving while fatigued, drivers may put themselves and others at risk of a motor vehicle accident resulting in injuries and damages.
The dangers of drowsy driving
It might be surprising, but experts believe that drowsy driving is just as dangerous as drunk driving, which causes tens of thousands of accidents every year. Sleep deprivation can severely impair one’s driving ability. Some known symptoms are:
- Slowed reflexes
- Impaired judgment
- Inability to focus
- Reduced comprehension and logical ability
Another serious risk of sleep deprivation is “microsleep.” This is when someone suddenly falls asleep for around four to five seconds. These can happen at any time of day and you might not even be aware when it happens. This can become even more dangerous if someone is on the road.
How can drivers keep themselves safe?
Drowsy driving can make the road an even more dangerous place. However, there are things you can do to counteract this risk. You can:
- Prepare your route: If you plan on taking long drives, you should map out your route so you can allot breaks during a trip and know where you can stop to get some rest.
- Find a substitute: Bring a companion who can drive while you rest to avoid any chance of drowsy driving.
- Get some rest: Even though life can get busy, it is crucial that you find time to rest so that you can drive safely.
- Be aware: There are steps you can take to reduce your individual risk of drowsy driving, but the risk of other drivers feeling fatigued behind the wheel remains. Make sure you stay alert and defensive while driving to protect yourself from drowsy drivers.
By knowing the dangers of drowsy driving and possible ways to avoid it, you can help keep West Virginia roads safer.
