It’s happened to me, it has probably happened to you. I was driving home late at night when I suddenly hit a “rumble strip” on the highway’s breakdown lane. I had fallen asleep for a few seconds.
Over 41 percent of drivers polled in an American Automobile Association survey admit to nodding off while driving at some point in their lives. On January 3rd the Boston Globe reported that Massachusetts Lieutenant Governor Timothy P. Murray had fallen asleep driving, totaling his state-owned car, while once again raising public awareness of driving while under the influence of the sandman.
“Drowsy driving causes over 100,000 crashes, 40,000 injuries and 1,550 deaths per year,” said Jose Ucles, Public Affairs Official from the National Highway and Traffic Safety Administration.
But how can drivers like me (and the Lieutenant Governor) stay awake when behind the wheel? Here are some helpful pointers from Mr. Ucles:
1. Pull over if you are sleepy. Let a passenger drive or if you are alone find a safe spot and nap for 15 to 20 minutes.
2. Plan for rest stops. If you are taking a long road trip, plan your breaks along the way at designated rest areas.
3. Stay hydrated and well fed. Drinking non-alcoholic beverages and eating will give you energy to stay awake.
4. Don’t talk on your cell phone to stay awake. This is a distraction unto itself. Focus on the road ahead.
5. Open the window or keep the car cool. Running the car heater on a high temperature can add to your drowsiness.
6. Avoid that one drink with a co-worker before driving home. Even one beer can make you sleepy. Drink a non-alcoholic or caffeine laced beverage instead.
7. Play music that keeps you awake. It’s OK to listen to Norah Jones but if you are groggy, cue up your Lady Gaga tracks.
8. Get a good night’s sleep. Easier said than done, right? If you work long hours or live with stress this can be hard. If you sleep less than six hours per night you triple your risk of an accident according to Drowsy Driving.org.
Thankfully, when I hit the rumble strip my adrenaline kicked in keeping me focused the rest of the trip. But since that night, I always keep plenty of Altoids. Aside from the sugar boost, popping four mints at once jacks my mouth with an overdose of strong peppermint.