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Cautionary Steps to Avoid Drowsy Driving
In India, one of the major causes of car accidents is drowsy driving. It is as dangerous as drunken driving and can be fatal.
Drowsy driving refers to the kind of driving when the driver falls asleep at the wheel. It's nearly impossible to judge with certainty the real causes of a deadly car accident where drowsy driving is suspected. However, some of the major factors that contribute to accidents caused due to drowsy driving are tiredness, restlessness, and ill health.
Sleepiness is another key factor attributed to drowsiness. It slows down the brain activity and directly affects the driver’s concentration by impairing reaction time, vision, and judgment in case of emergencies.
Whatever the factor be, it is always advisable to take some cautionary steps to avoid drowsy driving and enjoy a safe drive.
Drowsy driving refers to the kind of driving when the driver falls asleep at the wheel. It's nearly impossible to judge with certainty the real causes of a deadly car accident where drowsy driving is suspected. However, some of the major factors that contribute to accidents caused due to drowsy driving are tiredness, restlessness, and ill health.
Sleepiness is another key factor attributed to drowsiness. It slows down the brain activity and directly affects the driver’s concentration by impairing reaction time, vision, and judgment in case of emergencies.
Whatever the factor be, it is always advisable to take some cautionary steps to avoid drowsy driving and enjoy a safe drive.
Caution Signs
Following are some of the caution signs of drowsiness:
- Wandering or disconnected thoughts: Any sort of disturbances at the back of the driver’s mind causes great degree of restlessness that eventually leads to drowsiness. If there are any signs of such disconnected thoughts, it’s definite that the driver is not in a state to drive.
- Drooping Eyes: If there are any signs of drooping eyelids or if you feel that the driver’s eyes are becoming red, immediately ask him or her to move away from the driver’s seat and have some rest. Ask him to park the car in some corner where it won’t affect the on-going traffic. Even if there is repeated yawning, it reflects sleepiness.
- Sudden drift from the actual driving lane: When the driver deviates from the actual driving lane or he is not steady with his driving, it clearly dictates that he is tired.
- Missing out traffic signals: When the driver is not in the perfect mood of driving, he usually misses out traffic signals. This could be dangerous for the driver, car, as well as the passengers.
- Erratic, perplexed behavior: Sometimes you may also feel that all of sudden the driver has become very quiet or has engaged himself in some kind of irrelevant discussions or conversations. This also is a caution sign of drowsiness.
Tips to Avoid Drowsiness
Here are a few tips to help you from be alert and avoiding drowsiness while on long drives:
- Proper Sleep: One of the best options is to have a good sleep before going for long drives.
- Caffeine: Avoid having caffeine at least half an hour before you start your driving as consumption of caffeine leads to sleepiness. Many do feel good after having a cup of coffee but that improved stamina stays only for next 20-30 minutes. After that time period, you will feel sleepy.
- Regular stops: If it is a long journey, try to swap drivers. If that is not possible, ensure that you take a break every two hours as continuous driving usually results to tiredness.
- Avoid intake of alcohol: Avoid consumption of alcohol and any sedative medications that may result to drowsiness. Drunken driving is also illegal as well as deadly.
- Keep your mind alert. Stay alert and active when driving. To keep your mind active and alert listen to some good music that keeps you calm throughout your drive. Keep yourself in a good posture on the driving seat so that uncomfortable seating does not hamper your driving.
- Travel with a companion: If it is a long drive, ensure that you take along the best company you can enjoy with. A healthy and live conversation will keep you away from boredom and sleepiness.
- Defensive driving: Defensive driving is also a must. It is very important to be prepared to prevent any kind of collision despite of the driving habits, road conditions, and weather conditions.
