Not only does sleep deprivation cause internal health problems, it is also responsible for avoidable travesties in your local community, as it increases the chances of driving accidents.
By now I’m sure you are all familiar with the potential dangers of drunk driving and texting while driving. What you likely haven’t heard much about is the startling new data suggesting there are an alarming number of sleep impaired drivers traveling the roadways.
The National Sleep Foundation (NSF) estimates that millions of Americans suffer from “self-imposed sleep deprivation.” Studies show that sleep-deprived drivers are the cause of many serious and potentially deadly car accidents in the US today. In fact, the figures have reached almost epidemic proportions.
DID YOU KNOW: it’s estimated that younger drivers account for almost two-thirds of drowsy-driving crashes, even though they represent only one fourth of licensed drivers!
The following are some shocking facts:
- A NSF survey revealed that a whopping 36 percent of Americans drive drowsy or fall asleep behind the wheel!
- 100-car national driving study conducted by the Virginia Tech Transportation Institute shows that fatigue is the MAIN cause of 20 percent of motor vehicle crashes.
- The U.S. Department of Transportation Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCA) estimated that 13% of commercial motor vehicle drivers were considered to have been fatigued at the time of the accident.
- Conservative estimates of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration suggested that sleep deprivation causes roughly 100,000 police-reported accidents, resulting in 71,000 injuries, 1,550 FATALITIES and $12.5 billion in monetary losses on America’s roads and highways every year.
DID YOU KNOW: Driving without sleep for just one night produces sedating effects equal to 10 alcoholic beverages!
This data translates into figures that are quite alarming to say the least. The detrimental effects of sleep deprivation are extensive and wide-reaching. There is an undeniable responsibility factor involved that needs to be consciously observed. It is understood that many people are working 2-3 jobs to make ends meet, but safety always comes first. The importance of adequate sleep should no longer be ignored or underestimated, not only to remain in good health, but to keep the roadways safe for you, your family, and the population as a whole.
The simplest way to deter lethargic driving accidents is to make sure drivers are well rested of course which would require increased awareness of the potential dangers of driving sleep deprived. Even though turning up the radio, opening up a window, or blasting the AC may not be the best solution, its better than nothing. It is highly recommended to take a nap before driving if you feel too sleepy to drive. Having a cup of Java 30 min before you get on the road can make a significant difference as well. Carpooling is another option to keep each other awake and alert on the drive home or on the way to work.
http://www.allenandallen.com/blog/asleep-at-the-wheel-the-facts-about-fatigued-driving.html
https://www.sleepfoundation.org/articles/problem-drowsy-driving
http://dev.sleepreviewmag.com/sleep-disorders/hypersomnias/narcolepsy/drowsy-driving-not-enough-zzzs-or-signs-of-disease/