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1. Drowsiness while driving is scarier than drunk driving
Driving the day after a drinking session often leads to drowsy driving. While there are breathalyzers to measure blood alcohol content for drunk driving, there's no way to enforce against drowsiness, leaving it up to the drivers themselves. Drunk driving can be mitigated with a designated driver or even with a somewhat conscious mind, but drowsiness can cause a sudden lapse in consciousness while driving, essentially making the driver a 'moving, unconscious driver,' making it far more dangerous.
2. Drowsy driving is the number one cause of highway accidents
Analysis of traffic accidents on domestic highways shows that drowsy driving (21.4%) is the leading cause. On highway drives, individuals who sleep for 6-7 hours have a two-fold increased risk of accidents compared to those who sleep for 8 hours. Those who sleep for 5 hours or less face a four-fold higher risk.
3. A momentary lapse in consciousness leads to a 100m uncontrolled drive
Most traffic accidents caused by drowsy driving are due to head-on collisions or crossing the center line, often resulting in fatal accidents with at least one death. If a driver dozes off for 2-3 seconds while driving at over 100km/h, the vehicle will travel at least 100m, and at 80km/h, it will travel 60m, beyond the driver's control. This state of microsleep while driving leads to major traffic accidents.
4. Even the strongest person can't control their eyelids
When drowsiness strikes while driving, it's wiser to succumb rather than resist. As the saying goes, even the strongest person can't control their eyelids. Find a safe spot and take a 10-minute power nap. The first sign of drowsy driving is frequent yawning. Drowsiness, eye strain, fatigue, and difficulty focusing begin to set in. Occasionally, you may miss road signs or experience a few seconds of microsleep. It's important to note that a significant portion of drowsy drivers are not necessarily elderly individuals with weak physical conditions, but rather healthy drivers in their 20s and 30s.
5. Be cautious on weekend drives
In automobiles, the driver is like a coach and player in sports. From the moment you grab the steering wheel until you turn off the engine and exit the vehicle, the driver must remain vigilant for safe driving. This is especially important when undertaking long-distance drives on weekends, now that the 5-day workweek is widely adopted. It is advisable to avoid night and early morning driving. If you must drive during these hours, take breaks every 2 hours or share the driving duties with someone else. The day before a long-distance drive, drivers should avoid excessive drinking and overwork and get enough sleep.
6. The enemy of safe winter driving - Drowsiness caused by the heater
The ideal cabin temperature for preventing drowsiness and ensuring safe driving is 21°C to 23°C. In winter, the primary cause of drowsy driving is the heater's temperature. In sub-zero weather, running the heater on high can easily induce drowsiness while driving. Direct the heater vents towards the windshield or floor instead of your face. To maintain a comfortable cabin temperature, set the temperature control lever to a midpoint between cold and hot air and increase the airflow slightly. Many drivers make the mistake of setting the temperature control lever to the maximum position and adjusting the temperature with the airflow, which is incorrect. Also, open the windows every hour to ventilate the car with fresh, oxygen-rich air from outside. Driving in a sealed vehicle can naturally lead to hypoxia, causing drowsiness and reduced concentration, leading to drowsy driving.
7. Be cautious of drowsy driving on the way home from work and after a trip
Regardless of driving experience, when relieved from stressful work and nearing the destination, a relaxed mental state can lead to increased phone use, smoking, and watching TV, combined with fatigue, which can easily cause major accidents due to drowsy driving. On the way home from work, avoid driving in the center lanes, such as the first lane. On two-way roads, stay away from the center line, and on four-lane roads, use the right lane as much as possible.
8. Drowsiness is contagious
On long drives, it's common for passengers to fall asleep while the driver battles drowsiness alone. Especially, the front passenger can engage in light conversation to help the driver stay alert and drive safely.
9. Avoid driving between 10 PM and 6 AM!
As expected, accidents caused by drowsy driving are most frequent during the early morning hours. However, the time around 2 PM after lunch is the second most dangerous period. Driving between 10 PM and 6 AM significantly increases the risk of drowsy driving by four times compared to other times. During this period, the body naturally demands sleep, but forcing yourself to drive can lead to fatigue and a higher likelihood of accidents. The human body has a built-in 24-hour circadian rhythm that dictates activity levels at different times. This specific time frame sees a decrease in body temperature and blood pressure, making it unsuitable for driving.
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