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The Dangers of Driving Drowsy

May 13, 2019

Operating a motor vehicle while being too tired to remain alert, can have dangerous results.

Construction worker sleeping on top of bricks

We’ve all been there. You finish an eight or twelve-hour shift and are exhausted. Your head bobs and you cannot seem to keep your eyes open. You know that as soon as your head hits the pillow you’ll be out like a light. The only trouble is, you still have to drive back to your lodgings. Depending on the length of the drive, this can be a considerable undertaking while tired.

Driving drowsy can be just as dangerous as driving drunk. Being awake for 18-hours and then getting behind the wheel is the same as driving with a blood alcohol level of 0.05% which, in some jurisdictions, is illegal. For reference, a blood alcohol level of 0.08% is considered drunk. The longer you have been awake, the higher the blood alcohol level equivalency.

An added danger is the potential to fall asleep while at the wheel. Drowsy driving decreases your response time, awareness, and decision-making abilities. It has been estimated that 1 in 25 adult drivers have fallen asleep while driving! If you feel like you just cannot keep your eyes open when you get into your vehicle, there are a few things you can do to prevent driving drowsy.

Some suggestions include pulling over for a 20-minute catnap, carpooling with a less exhausted team member, or buying a cup of coffee or other caffeinated drink. Most importantly, however, you can choose accommodations that are as close as possible to your work site. Decreasing the time you may have to drive allows you to stay alert.

When you are working 12-hour shifts, it’s quite possible you could be awake for anywhere from 18-20+ hours. The last thing you want is to risk your safety and the safety of others on the road by driving tired. The best way to prevent driving drowsy is to ensure you are getting adequate amounts of sleep before and after your shift. Take time to relax before bed, and allow yourself between six and eight hours of quality sleep every night. It’s also a good idea to double check any medications you are taking to ensure they will not make you drowsy after taking them. An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure, and these simple steps make it easy to remain focused and awake while on the road.