Drowsy driving is a significant cause of motor vehicle accidents. Measuring the impact of tired driving is difficult. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration estimates that drowsiness contributed to 91,000 accidents in 2017. However, they say that many experts believe this underestimates the problem.
Many people are guilty of tired driving. You might have irregular working hours or chronic sleeping problems. Regardless of your situation, continue reading to learn tips to avoid drowsy driving and keep the road safe.
Morning commutes
Work might be the leading cause of sleep disruption in America. According to the United States Census, the average one-way commute to work was 27.6 minutes in 2019. Your goal should be to get seven to eight hours of sleep each night so you wake up prepared for your commute.
Afternoon commutes
It is essential to get enough sleep for your morning commute, but the most dangerous time to drive is from 4 to 7:59 pm. If you are already fatigued from a poor night’s sleep, a full day of work does not help things either. Take extra care while driving during this time, and watch out for signs of fatigued driving from other vehicles. If you feel your eyes blinking or closing involuntarily, it is time to pull over. Do not risk your safety and other drivers’ safety because you want to get home.
Not everyone gets to choose when they drive to work. If you regularly must go home during the peak rush hour, prepare for the morning and afternoon commute each night.