The Risks of Drowsy Driving

Drowsy driving is one of the most dangerous habits drivers commit every day and many don’t know they are doing it.

Did You Know?

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• 55% of drowsy driving crashes are caused by drivers less than 25 years old.
• Being awake for 18 hours is equal to a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08%, which is legally drunk and leaves you at equal risk for a crash.

Drowsy Driving Specific At-Risk Groups

Drowsy driving can affect anyone but it’s more evident to occur with people of the following characteristics:

• Young People – Especially Males Under Age 26.
• Shift Workers, Long-Shift Workers, or Night Shifts – If your work schedule resembles this, you are increasing your shift by 6x the normal person.
• Commercial Drivers.
• People with Undiagnosed or Untreated Disorders – People with untreated obstructive sleep apnea show a 7x increased risk of falling asleep while driving.
• Business Travelers – Long road hours or jet lag causes drowsy driving.

Drowsy Driving Specific At-Risk Groups

Even if you don’t fit into specific at-risk groups, you still could be driving drowsy. Make sure you are aware of the other risks that could cause drowsy driving. They include:

• Sleep Deprivation or Fatigue (6 hours of sleep or fewer triples your risk).
• Sleep Loss (insomnia), Poor Quality Sleep, or Sleep Debt.
• Driving Long Distances without Breaks.
• Driving at Abnormal Hours
• Taking Sedating Medicines (Anti-Depressants, Cold Tablets, or Antihistamines).
• Working More than 60 Hours a Week.
• Working More than 1 Job.
• Drinking Alcohol.
• Driving Along or on Long, Rural, Dark, or Boring Roads.

Drowsy Driving Warning Signs

As a driver, it’s important to know the warning signs of drowsy driving so you can treat it before an accident occurs. Warning signs include:Difficulty focusing, frequent blinking, or heavy eyelids.

• Difficulty focusing, frequent blinking, or heavy eyelids.
• Daydreaming; wandering/disconnected thoughts.
• Trouble remembering the last few miles that were driven; missing exits or traffic signs.
• Yawning repeatedly or rubbing your eyes.
• Trouble keeping your head up.
• Drifting from your lane, tailgating, or hitting a shoulder rumble strip.
• Feeling restless and irritable.

Drowsy Driving Prevention & Temporary Solutions

To prevent drowsy driving try the following steps:

• Get a Good Nights Sleep (7 to 9 hours for Adults & 8.5 to 9.5 for Teens).
• Plan to Drive Long Trips with a Friend.
• Schedule Regular Stops Every 2 Hours or 100 Miles.
• Avoid Alcohol & Medications.
• Consult Your Physician for Potential Untreated Sleep Disorders.

If you notice that you are starting to feel tired while driving, here are some temporary solutions:

• Take a 15 to 20-minute nap.
• Consume the equivalent of 2 cups of coffee.
• For best results try drinking caffeine and then take a short nap.

Sources: DrowsyDriving

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American Heritage Insurance Group is an independent property and casualty insurance agency offering personal lines insurance, commercial lines insurance for small and medium sized businesses, farm insurance, and several specialty lines. We have offices located in Cincinnati, Milford, and Springfield, Ohio.

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