Drowsy Driving Is Dangerous

Drowsy Driving is extremely dangerous and must be avoided at all costs. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, drowsy driving has caused thousands of accidents bringing death, injury and colossal financial loss. Sleep deprivation is what bothers a drowsy driver. People who are vulnerable to drowsy driving are those who work on night shifts or working overtime. OffenseAll drowsy drivers are as dangerous as drunk drivers. In both cases the reaction time becomes slower than normal. Driving as usual despite drowsiness is a big risk. Mercedes-Benz developed Attention Assist, an equipment for its E-Class, CL-Class and some S-Class sedans. Signs of erratic steering leads to an audible warning and message: "Time for a rest?"  It is a feedback to wake up and get off the road safely. But no motorists will pull over because the dashboard is flashing a coffee cup!.The State of New Jersey banned drowsy driving in 2003. Offending drivers are considered  knowingly fatigued if they were up more than 24 hours. The penalties include a 10-year prison sentence and a $100,000 fine. Drowsy motorists are hard to book. A Breathalyzer tests are hard to prove in court. Still the penalty sends a message to drivers.  Prosecutors can use it as a legal tool in a serious crash.SymptomsSigns of drowsy driving are the following.•    Heavy eyelids, frequent blinking •    Impaired concentration•    Missing traffic signals•    Repeated yawning•    Lane Drifting •    Irritability These are symptoms one must take seriously.Tips to Control DrowsinessThere are many ways to abate drowsiness. When you are drowsy and yawning continuously pull the vehicle to the side of the road and sleep for a minimum 20 minutes. Or you must take a cup of coffee. A mild exercise of stretching the legs and getting some  fresh air can also help. Playing music is also fine but make sure the music does not put you to sleep. Allow someone to drive in the interim when you are too tired. On Road Tips•    Start the trip after a good sleep•    Drive at normal waking hours •    Both people in the front seats should be awake. •    Schedule a break every two hours or 100 miles It will be better if a doctor is consulted in case you are falling asleep so fast and is affecting your job. Getting more sleep is the best counter against drowsiness. The body and mind needs a minimum of two hours of sleep to get into the stage of rapid-eye movement. Cat naps are helpful but will not give the essential rest to the human brain.Mechanical ControlThere is a tool generally called the No-Nap Anti Drowsiness Device. It is a safety device that can rest over the top of your ear. Turn on the unit. As as soon as your head nods forward in a sleeping position, the awakening alarm will alert you. Many automakers claim to have made high-tech monitoring devices, but the commercial markets do not have many solutions. These devices are helpful in knowing when you are tired and how much you are tired.  But if you are too tired, please do not drive and invite an accident.