SLEEP DEPRIVATION CONTRIBUTES TO MANY FATAL CRASHES

Sleep deprivation is a growing concern for traffic safety advocates, ranking as the second most pressing issue after alcohol and drug use. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration estimates that more than 200,000 auto collisions annually are fatigue-related.

The Secretary of State's office has joined with the National Sleep Foundation to launch a program to make the public aware of the dangers of sleep deprivation as it relates to traffic safety.

Being sleepy is dangerous when you're behind the wheel of a vehicle. It slows reaction time, decreases awareness and impairs judgment, much like drugs or alcohol. Pennsylvania Turnpike and New York Thruway studies estimate that about 50 percent of their fatal crashes are caused by drowsy drivers.

There are two times of day when most people's biological clocks make them especially likely to feel sleepy. One is the "afternoon lull,"from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. The other is the early morning, 2 a.m. to 6 a.m. Most professional truck drivers cannot avoid driving at those times.

To be a safe driver, become aware of your own biological clock. What times of day are you most alert? When are you most drowsy? Know when you are most likely to feel sleepy and, if possible, avoid driving during those times.

• Young People — In a North Carolina state study, 55 percent of fatigue-related crashes involved people 25 years old and younger; 78 percent of them were males.

• Shift Workers — Studies suggest that 20 to 30 percent of those with non-traditional work schedules have had a fatigue-related driving mishap within the last year.

• Commercial Drivers — In addition to the high number of miles driven each year, many truck drivers are on the road at night.

• Undiagnosed Sleep Disorder Sufferers — A surprising number of people are tired because they have a sleep disorder. Disorders such as insomnia, sleep apnea, narcolepsy and restless leg syndrome — all of which lead to excessive daytime sleepiness — afflict an estimated 50 million Americans.

Sleep is not like money. You cannot save it up ahead of time and you cannot borrow it. But, just as with money, you can go into debt with it. Most people lose sleep because they stay up too late or get up too early to give themselves a good night's rest. If you do not sleep enough, you "owe" more sleep to yourself. This debt can only be paid off by sleeping. You cannot overcome it with willpower, and it will not go away by itself.

Driving, especially for long distances, unmasks your true level of sleepiness. At the start of a trip, excitement makes a driver feel alert, but the alertness wears off once the trip is underway. Here are some suggestions to avoid driving tired:

1. Get enough sleep before starting any trip. If possible, take a nap before driving.
2. Be aware of feelings of drowsiness, especially between midnight and 6 a.m. If you feel too drowsy to drive, stop and take a nap.
3. Do not park on the shoulder of an expressway. It is dangerous and prohibited by law, except in an emergency. Find a truck stop or rest area.
4. Schedule a break every two hours or every 100 miles. Stop sooner if you show any danger signs of sleepiness, such as:

   • Your eyes close or go out of focus by themselves.
   • You have trouble keeping your head up.
   • You cannot stop yawning.
   • You have wandering, disconnected thoughts.
   • You do not remember driving the last few miles.
   • You have missed your exit.
   • You keep drifting out of your lane.

   
   During your break, take a nap, stretch, take a walk and get some exercise before getting back into the car.
5. Get some fresh air into your car. Smoke and stale air can contribute to drowsiness.
6. If you often feel tired during the day because you have trouble falling or staying asleep at night, talk to your doctor about appropriate treatment.

Most people know the dangers of drinking and driving. But remember, driving drowsy can also be fatal. •

December 1995 / Illinois Municipal Review / Page 9