Simple tips to prevent drowsiness while driving that everyone should remember
Reliable statistics in many countries show that 10-30% of accidents occur due to driver drowsiness.
No driver can confidently claim to be alert in all situations while driving. A large-scale survey in the US showed that 60% of drivers, equivalent to 168 million people, said they had driven while drowsy in the past year, and 37% had fallen asleep at the wheel. Of these, 4%, equivalent to 11 million drivers, admitted to causing an accident or collision because they fell asleep at the wheel.
According to the US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, there are about 100,000 accidents, more than 1.5 million deaths, and 71,000 injuries reported by traffic police each year caused by driver fatigue and drowsiness.
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| 10-30% of traffic accidents are caused by drowsy drivers |
However, authorities say this is just the tip of the iceberg, as it is difficult to fully count the number of accidents caused by drowsiness.
Lack of sleep will make the driver lose concentration, increasing the risk of accidents. Most accidents caused by sleep deprivation usually occur between midnight and 2am; 4-6am and 2-4pm.
The latest research in Australia shows that if a driver drives continuously for 18 hours, it is the same as driving with 50mg of alcohol/100ml of blood, and if it increases to 24 hours, it is equivalent to driving drunk at 100mg/100ml of blood. Even more dangerous, many cases do not realize how exhausted they are and have time to stop and take a nap.
Here are 10 super helpful tips to help you stay more alert when driving while sleep deprived:
1. Drinking a caffeinated beverage containing 75mg, equivalent to 1 cup of coffee, can significantly increase concentration. If you don't like coffee, you can replace it with a cup of green tea.
2. Take a 20-30 minute nap at noon if you didn't get enough sleep the night before. Don't underestimate the benefits of napping, studies show that short naps increase short-term alertness, improve mood, and increase work performance.
Just make sure to park in a safe location so you can take a nap in your car.
3. It is necessary to have a driving companion, especially when driving long distances, so that when tired, you can take over driving.
4. It is possible to go a little faster to reach the destination sooner but should not exceed the recommended safe speed.
5. Plan your trip wisely. Research on truck drivers shows that the time period when accidents are eight times more likely to occur than normal is between midnight and 6am.
6. Chewing gum while driving long distances will help your mouth move regularly, avoiding yawning. However, a small note is to use the sugar-free type.
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| Chewing gum is a simple trick to help you stay awake while driving. |
7. You should play fast, exciting music, avoid soft music because doing so will lull you to sleep in the car.
8. When you feel sleepy, you can lower the windows to let the wind blow into your face, helping you overcome sleepiness.
9. Take frequent breaks during long journeys, try to get out of the car and move around every 2 hours. This helps your blood circulate better, and you will be more alert to continue the rest of the journey.
10. Avoid taking any medications that cause drowsiness. If absolutely necessary, take them after you have reached a safe location.
