November 7-14, 2021, is National Drowsy Driving Prevention Week. Did you know that driving more than 20 hours without sleep is the equivalent of driving with a blood-alcohol concentration of 0.08%, according to the National Safety Council? As a driver, your number one priority is to get you and your passengers to your destination safely. When driving, stay alert and watch for drivers on the road who aren't.
Symptoms of driver fatigue are hard to identify, and a driver may not know when he or she is experiencing them. If you are experiencing any of the following symptoms, pull over to a safe spot and rest, or change drivers.
A study by the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety estimated 328,000 drowsy driving crashes occur annually. Drivers must be alert for drowsy drivers on the road. Watch for:
Rest is critical to safe driving. Consider the following restful approaches to restore alertness.
There is no substitute for good sleep. Use these good practices to help improve your sleep quality.
Screens – The blue light from electronic devices may suppress the production of melatonin. This hormone helps you relax and fall asleep. Avoid screens for at least 30 minutes before bed.
Alcohol – Avoid drinking any alcohol before driving. Alcohol affects sleep and can increase drowsiness and impairment.
Caffeine – While caffeine can be a short-term solution, it can disrupt your sleep patterns. Avoid drinking any caffeine six hours before your bedtime.
Prescription or over-the-counter medications – New medications can cause drowsiness. Start any new medications on days off to adjust side effects.
Environment – Keep your bedroom cool and dark to get a good night's sleep.
Drowsy driving kills but is preventable. Keep your employees safe on the road and on the job. For more information on BITCO, consult with a BITCO agent.
For information purposes only. BITCO's blog content does not address all potential circumstances and is not a substitute for business, safety, or legal consultation.