Don’t Drive If You Are Sleep Deprived
‘Tis the season for sleep deprivation. It’s a time when most people will eat, drink and party in excess as they celebrate the year that was, the upcoming holidays and the new year ahead. Motorists, however, are warned that late nights coupled with a lack of sleep is a recipe for disaster.
According to Titus Pillay, general manager of Dial Direct Insurance: “Driving under the influence of alcohol can lead to deadly consequences. This is a message that is repeatedly drummed into our heads over the festive season. What many people don’t know is that sleep deprivation is believed to be just as dangerous. Research has shown that getting less than 6 hours a night can affect coordination, reaction time and judgment, therefore posing a very serious threat to ones driving ability.”
Pillay continues: “Accidents that are caused by drivers who are sleep deprived are all too common. UK statistics say that tired drivers are responsible for at least 1 in 5 road deaths. In South Africa, statistics are just as severe. We urge those who plan on partying until late in the late during the festive season merriment to take it easy – a fatigued driver is a menace on the road!”
So how can one prevent becoming a statistic? It’s simple – get enough sleep. Most of us need about six to eight hours of sleep every night.
Dial Direct Insurance offers some additional tips to prevent a drowsy driver disaster:
- Most accidents caused by a sleep deprived driver occur between midnight and 6 a.m., the natural time for sleep. If you are planning on driving during these hours, and if you start yawning, begin to loose concentration or if you have trouble keeping your eyes open - take a break. Do not continue driving until you feel refreshed and awake.
- Whatever you do – do not drink and drive. As stated before, alcohol and tiredness is a lethal combination.
- If you have had a long day, and have plans for the evening, it is advisable to arrange to drive home with a passenger. A riveting conversation should assist in keeping you awake.
- Energy drinks or caffeine can assist in reviving tired drivers. However, regular coffee drinkers are warned that it can also have the opposite effect and cause fatigue and impaired coordination.
- A study conducted by the Loughborough Sleep Research Centre concluded that contrary to popular belief, loud music, chewing gum, fresh air or a good stretch will not help relieve tiredness while driving. Do not rely on these myths to keep you awake!
“These countermeasures only offer short-term relief from driver tiredness. The best remedy is a good night’s sleep. We live in a fast-paced society where everything is needed yesterday. Don’t let the pressures of the daily grind take a toll on your driving,” concludes Pillay.
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