Researchers, using driving simulators, have proved that drowsy driver are just
as bad as drunk drivers. Like alcohol, drowsiness slows your reaction time, impairs
your judgment, and make you more willing to take risks. Every year as estimate 600,000
accidents are caused by drowsy drivers. These drivers would still be alive today if they
simply stopped for a 15 minute nap. This page will help you understand how sleep contributes
to automobile accidents and what you should do when you feel drowsy while driving.
There are two basic facts about sleep that every driver should know: that sleep comes
in waves and that microsleeps come without warning.
Sleep comes in waves
One minute you can barely keep you eyes open, and the next you’re feeling wide awake.
You feel like you've just fought off sleep but a few minutes later another wave of
drowsiness hits. Sleep comes in waves, like the ocean tide. A wave of sleep will hit you
then pull back, similar to an ocean wave hitting a sand castle. The receding wave does not
mean you or the sand castle are safe. Another wave is coming, and it will probably be bigger
than the previous one. It’s only a matter of time before a big wave hits and sweeps the
sand castle out to sea. Similarly, a few minutes after fighting off one wave of sleep,
another wave hits. Before long, one of these waves will pull you under. more ⇒
Microsleeps come without warnings
Sleep is a biological need. If you don’t give your body enough sleep, you brain
will sneak in little naps without telling you. Your brain literally shuts down for 2,
3 or as long as 30 seconds and you never know it happened. Researchers call these
microsleeps, and they are frighteningly common. Researchers in Germany had 60 healthy
men drive for 2 hours in a vehicle simulator. Two-Thirds of the participants fell asleep
at least once during the trip.
You can see a microsleep next time you find yourself in a lecture hall with a
less-than-exciting speaker. In today's sleep-deprived society, chances are someone will
nod off without ever realizing it. If you ask them, they say they were tired, but managed
to stay awake. That is a microsleep. If one happens while you are driving, you will
probably never know it ... unless you hit something. more ⇒
The signs of drowsiness
To avoid being in an accident, you must be able to recognize the signs of drowsiness:
Heavy eyelids
Trouble keeping your eyes open
Trouble keeping your eyes focused
Repeated yawing or rubbing your eyes
Drifting in and out of your lane
Not remembering the last few miles
If you observer any of these signs in yourself, you should pull off the road as soon as
you can. Twenty years ago I was in an accident because I though I could make it one more
exit. I fell asleep and crashed into a concrete barricade used by road construction crews.
Luckily I walked away from that accident. A police officer who witnessed the accident said
it was a miracle I survived. A few months ago, my friend Brady fell asleep and crashed
into a brick wall 100 yards from his driveway. Pushing yourself when you are drowsy is
about as smart as a game of Russian roulette.
What to do when you feel drowsy
When you are feeling drowsy there is only one thing to do: stop driving and take a short
nap. Rolling down the windows, playing the stereo loud or chewing gum won't help you. My
accident happened with the windows down and the radio as loud as it would go. Caffeine may
help, but remember it takes 30 minutes to take effect and it could mess up your sleep once
you get home. A 10-15 minute nap is the only thing that really works. It doesn't matter
if you feel like you've slept. Just sitting in your car for 10 minutes with your eyes
closed could save your life. more ⇒
About Atigo
Atigo's mission is to reduce automobile accidents in this country through education and
research. We produce this website, fliers and workshops to education people about drowsy
driving. We also work with universities like MIT and Queens University researching ways
technology can be used to prevent automobile accidents. Please help us continue this
work with your generous donations.
Atigo is working to prevent drowsy driving accidents with this
website, educational seminars, and research. You can do your
part by supporting us with your donation.
You can also help us by volunteering to help organize workshops and other events
that educate people about drowsy driving.
