Intoxicated driving is a much-discussed topic when it comes to accident prevention. Lately, tired driving has also started entering the conversation when the issue of road safety is broached. It seems that the dangers of tired driving may be just as acute as the dangers of driving drunk.
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Why Is Driving Tired So Dangerous?
A report from the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety has found that sleep-deprived drivers caused 21 per cent of lethal car accidents.
In Canada, the Highway Safety Roundtable uncovered in 2006 that 20% of Canadians acknowledged having fallen asleep behind the wheel of their car at least once during the year.
The roundtable also found that an individual who has missed 18 hours of sleep was just as impaired as a driver with a blood alcohol level of 50 mg. In most provinces, being caught driving with a blood alcohol level this high will ensure a temporary license suspension. The comparison and implications are alarming.
Lack Of Sleep - What Is The Effect On Drivers?
Drivers who did not have sufficient sleep have slower reflexes and impaired reaction time. Research has shown that tired drivers cannot safely function compared to drivers who had a full night's sleep.
To illustrate that point, the Foundation reported that individuals who slept for less than four hours in a 24-hour period had an 11.5% higher chance of getting into a car accident.
Some of these accidents are preventable. So, take prudent action. Get sufficient sleep before hitting the roadways. If you start feeling groggy behind the wheel, pull aside and rest up. The extra minutes spent could go a long way toward ensuring your own safety and that of others.
Gluckstein Lawyers cares about the safety of drivers and encourages motorists to make sure they get a good night's sleep before getting behind the wheel of a car or truck. Sufficient rest promotes safety - and it also feels great!
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LINKS >> Ontario Researchers: Drowsy Driving More Common among Young Drivers Sources: canadasafetycouncil.org/traffic-safety/driving-tired-driving-drunk www.washingtonpost.com/local/trafficandcommuting/sleep-deprived-drivers-have-plenty-in-common-with-drunk-drivers/2016/12/06/2f83d166-bbcb-11e6-91ee-1adddfe36cbe_story.html?hpid=hp_hp-cards_hp-card-national%3Ahomepage%2Fcard&utm_term=.cc2084dcf38f
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