Drowsy Drivers

First, it starts off as a yawn. Next, the eyelids feel as if they are starting to gain weight. Before the driver realizes it, they are passed out in front of the wheel of their vehicle. Drowsy driving is not a joke. Weariness behind the wheel affects a person’s ability to drive. It may lead to the possibility of a serious injury or death. Every year, 1,550 deaths are caused by sleep-deprived drivers. Although there are numerous reasons for driving while being tired, the effect of sleepiness behind the wheel may lead to dreadful accidents. The ability to identify signs of an unfit driver is essential for the safety of those in the vehicle and others on the road. Awareness about ways to be more alert will save several lives.
A driver takes on …show more content…
Recognition may prevent horrible car accidents from occurring. There are many warnings that show someone is in the state of exhaustion. An obvious sign is when someone continuously yawns uncontrollably. As they repeatedly yawn, they may rub their eyes to wake themselves up more. After this, their head may start to feel heavier and fall. This, along with blurred vision and constant blinking, is an indication that the driver is beginning to doze off and lose concentration. It is more common to find a driver falling asleep when they are on a high-speed, long, rural highway (Facts and Stats, par. 7). The boring and consistent scenery makes it easy to get caught up in day dreams and wander off with their thoughts. Once someone starts to notice that the driver is missing exits, drifting into other lanes unintentionally, and driving over rumble strips on the side of the road, the vehicle should immediately be pulled over to prevent the chances of crashing into their …show more content…
When the driver is aware of when and how long they will be behind the wheel, they will have a better judgment of time management. With this, they should know when to go to bed to get an eight-hour rest. “People who sleep even a moderate six to seven hours per night are twice as likely to crash as those who sleep the recommended eight hours a night” (Rodriguez Par. 4). This good night rest is the best way to make sure the body is in its optimum driving condition. Planning ahead also lets the driver know when the best times are to drive. The chances of falling asleep behind the wheel at night are greater than any other time of day. The body is working against its clock during late hours which will increase a driver’s vulnerability of falling asleep (Drowsy Driving, section 4). Because of this, avoid driving between midnight and six in the