Drowsy Driving

New studies have proven that driving while sleepy or drowsy, is just as bad as driving while under the influence.

Your eyelids droop and your head starts to nod. Yawning becomes almost constant and your vision seems blurry. You blink hard, focus your eyes and suddenly realize that you’ve veered onto the shoulder or into oncoming traffic for a moment and quickly straighten the wheel. This time you were lucky; next time you could become the latest victim of the tragedy of drowsy driving.

According to the National Sleep Foundation’s Sleep in America poll, 60% of Americans have driven while feeling sleepy and 37% admit to actually having fallen asleep at the wheel in the past year. However, many people cannot tell if or when they are about to fall asleep. And if sleepiness comes on while driving, many say to themselves, “I can handle this, I’ll be fine.” Yet they’re putting themselves and others in danger. What they really need is a nap or a good night’s sleep.

Here are some signs that should tell a driver to stop and rest:

• Difficulty focusing, frequent blinking, or heavy eyelids
• Daydreaming; wandering/disconnected thoughts
• Trouble remembering the last few miles driven; missing exits or traffic signs
• Yawning repeatedly or rubbing your eyes
• Trouble keeping your head up
• Drifting from your lane, tailgating, or hitting a shoulder rumble strip
• Feeling restless and irritable

While preparing for the holidays and traveling to see family, be mindful of your quality of sleep leading up to the day of travel. Make sure to have someone with you to take turns driving if you begin to feel sleepy.

Having trouble sleeping at home? It could be your mattress. Visit one of our nearby locations to find your dream bed and best night’s rest so you don’t have to worry about being tired when seeing Aunt Marie for the first time in 5 years… unless of course, it’s the perfect excuse to get out of her perfume-heavy-hugs.

Sources: CDC sleep