Friday, July 18, 2014

Asleep at the Wheel

Drowsy-

Insurance statistics show that falling asleep at the wheel and/or driving while drowsy contribute to about 20% of all accidents.  That translates to hundreds of deaths, thousands of injuries, and about $46 Billion in damage each year. 

While it doesn’t carry the same stigma – there is no Mothers Against Drowsy Drivers – driving drowsy is just about as dangerous as driving drunk.  In spite of that, statistics show that about 2/3 of drivers have driven while drowsy at one time or another.

A recent DMEa survey of 2,000 car owners found that a lot of drowsy drivers may be out on the roads right now. The majority (53%) of U.S. drivers reported that they are taking a road trip this summer, and that they plan to drive at least 7 hours each day – with 1 in 10 reporting they plan to drive more than 12 hours.

THE TOP WAYS PEOPLE COMBAT SLEEPINESS WHILE DRIVING:
1. Drink A Caffeinated Beverage-52.9%
2. Open a Window or Sun Roof-41.7%
3. Switch Drivers-41.5%
4. Pull Over and Exercise/Stretch-35.2%
5. Listen to Loud Music-34.9%
6. Eat-33.0%
7. Sing-31.7%
8. Turn Up the A/C-25.1%
9. Pull Over and Nap-22.6%
10. Listen to Talk Radio-14.2%
11. Talk to Self-10.9%
12. Slap Yourself-10.3%
13. Exercise or Stretch in the Car-10.0%
14. Smoke-9.9%
15. Splash Water on Your Face or Neck-8.3%

The problem is that none of these solutions work!  At least, not very well, and none of them work for long. The only safe solution is to pull over and take a nap.

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