Don’t Fall Asleep Behind the Wheel

Car accidents rank high among the list of common causes of fatalities. A prominent issue is distracted driving, a well-known problem with the rise of smartphones. The extended moments when a driver is not looking at the road can be some of the deadliest. This situation will likely only get worse with advancing technology. However, while distracted driving is frequently associated with cellphones and texting, there are other factors in being inattentive.

When people are fatigued while driving, they usually continue, regardless of their exhaustion. On long road trips, drivers do not take enough time to rest; they are worried only about their destination. Driving for extended periods of time can also be taxing on the body and mind. These long trips can contribute to back, neck, and shoulder pain, which also leads to fatigue. When people get drowsy, rather than taking a break, they often prefer to offset the lack of sleep with caffeine. This happens often, whether drivers have coffee to feel more awake or choose among countless energy drinks available at any gas station. I have noticed this problem with teenagers.

Many adolescents acquire their licenses, driving frequently with little experience. Coupled with sleep deficiencies, this lack of experience can be fatal. Not getting enough sleep is a common theme among young adults, as their sleep schedule is altered, leaving only about one-third of them getting the recommended amount (Tomanic, Milena, et al). It is typical to see teenagers holding a Celsius, Red bull, Monster, or countless other caffeine-filled drinks. While these products can provide an increase in alertness, it is temporary and not the same as getting proper rest. Constant caffeine intake can also lead to decreased sleep quality and fragmented sleep. When paired with driving, this state of drowsiness can be deadly.

The DMV handbook recommends that if a driver is feeling fatigued, they should pull over and take a 20-minute nap. This resets the body, adding to alertness and energy levels. With the rise of energy drinks, people rely on them to complete daily activities. By the end of the day, when the user stops feeling the effects of caffeine, they are driving, sometimes when it is dark. This is the most dangerous time to be driving, especially if a person is tired. People drift off very easily, especially with the invention of cruise control and self-driving on newer cars. When an active driver loses focus for a second, it is all that’s needed to cause an accident. The interiors of cars are very comfortable, as they are adjusted to fit the driver. In this environment, if a driver is on a long trip, it can be incredibly easy to drift off.

Some people help prevent their distraction by calling someone or talking to a passenger. Personally, I have seen people do both. While it is important to stay awake, creating other things to focus on can add to distractions when someone is already lacking alertness. In this situation, it would be best to pull over and rest. While some might be opposed to this, for those on long trips or driving late at night, this stop is crucial. When I drive at night, I have seen numerous people slowly drift over, almost going off the roads. As I would pass the car, the driver would not be on the phone, but rather seem visibly exhausted.

I have heard friends joke about falling asleep while driving, but it is a serious problem. Being able to recognize drowsiness and stopping to take a break or asking someone else to drive can be the difference between crashing or arriving at a destination safely. Sometimes when I am driving to school, I feel fatigued and notice how much of a difference it makes in my driving. Since the beginning of this year, I have made an effort to get more sleep, not only for my well-being, but my safety. Since then, my driving late at night has felt more controlled, as I have been more alert.

This form of distracted driving is omitted in comparison to the use of cell phones, but it is also critically important. Educating people on the types of distracted driving is important, as there are so many ways to get into an accident without engaging in overtly dangerous driving. Spreading awareness about this issue can save many lives, especially in areas like mine where the roads are narrow and curvy. Being a safe driver not only protects everyone in the car, but also other drivers on the road.