Drowsy Driving: Recognize the Risks and Stay Safe
Drowsy driving is comparable to drunk driving.
Driving while being awake for over 20 hours is equivalent to driving with a BAC of 0.08
Source: https://www.nsc.org/road-safety/safety-topics/fatigued-driving
Drowsy driving can be identified and countered in the same terms as fatigued driving.
Drowsy driving is a severe issue in Ontario. It occurs when a driver is too tired to focus on the road and react to potential hazards, putting themselves and other road-users at risk. It can be just as dangerous as driving under drugs or alcohol.
Some examples of the effects of drowsy driving include:
Slower reaction times: When drivers are drowsy, their reaction times can be significantly slower, making it harder to avoid potential hazards on the road.
Impaired judgement: Drowsy driving can impair a driver's ability to make good decisions on the road. This can lead to poor judgement and risky behaviour, such as passing other vehicles unsafely or failing to yield the right of way.
Reduced vision: Drowsiness can cause a driver's vision to become blurred, making it harder to see other vehicles, pedestrians, or road signs. This can lead to accidents, particularly in low-light conditions.
Micro-sleeps: Drowsy driving can cause a driver to experience brief moments of unconsciousness, known as "micro-sleeps." These can last a few seconds but are long enough to cause a serious accident. Some factors contributing to drowsy driving include lack of sleep, working long hours, driving long distances, taking certain medications, and having an untreated sleep disorder. To avoid drowsy driving, it is important to get enough sleep, take breaks when driving long distances, and avoid driving if you feel tired or sleepy.
If you experience drowsiness while driving, it is essential to pull over to a safe location, take a nap, or find an alternate mode of transportation. Driving while drowsy is never worth the risk to yourself or other road-users.
