Danger Signs For Fatigue
Are you facing a long holiday drive? Does your summer vacation involve a cross-country road trip?
Be careful when trying to get to your destination. Drowsiness can sneak up on you when you're driving.
Driving late at night, between 11:00 p.m. and 2:00 a.m. is particularly dangerous for falling asleep at the wheel, but sleepiness can happen at any time—especially if you’ve had action-packed days.
Here are some signs to watch for--and do something about-- before you run into a tree or another car.
- Excessive yawning
- Trouble keeping eyes open
- Not being able to concentrate
- Not remembering the last few minutes or seconds
- Jerking of your head or body from the brink of falling asleep
- Car wanders from the road or into another lane
What to do:
- Slow Down
- Pull off the road into a safe parking space like a rest area . Lock the doors and take a nap. The National Sleep Foundation recommends that you take a nap for 15-45 minutes.
- Make a pit stop, use the bathroom and get a soft drink or cup of coffee --it takes about 30 minutes to feel the effects of caffeine.
- Call someone if you’re alone, to help you stay lively.
- Talk to a passenger if you have one
- Turn the radio to a lively station and sing along
- Roll down window and get some fresh air for a few minutes, or turn vent on full blast
An effective way to prevent getting drowsy while driving is to get a good night’s sleep the night before your trip or take a nap before you leave. Sometimes that’s not enough, though, and these tips can help.
Published 06/08/07
