Driving Tips > Safety Columns
Driving Drowsy - falling asleep at the wheel
Many drivers do it, but no one should take drifting off at the wheel lightly. Our bodies’ natural tendency to sleep, not enough hours of sleep, and poor quality sleep can add up to mind-numbing fatigue – and serious road crashes.
Watch for the danger signs
- Yawning
- Daydreaming
- Difficulty keeping your head up
- Sluggishness
- Not noticing vehicles until they pass
- Driving speed creeping up or down
- Wandering on the road
- Realizing that you can’t recall the last few kilometers of driving.
Are you at risk?
Fatigue is a danger for all drivers. In a Manitoba Public Insurance survey in 2004,
- Over half (54 per cent) the drivers surveyed reported driving while drowsy at night, during the day or on a long trip and,
- Young drivers aged 16 to 24 who juggle school, part-time work and late-night socializing are six times more likely to be involved in fatigue-related crashes than drivers in other age groups.
There is no quick fix
You may get a temporary feeling of alertness from turning up the radio or lowering the window for fresh air. Stopping for a coffee and getting some physical activity is also a common precaution, but as soon as you sit down at the wheel again the drowsiness will return.
Pull over and rest
If you experience any of the symptoms of fatigue, find a safe place to pull over and rest. Next time, get adequate sleep before you take to the road.
For more information, watch The 60-Second Driver on CTV, or visit the following sections on this website:
- Drowsy Driving in Driving Tips
- Fatigue in Driving Tips
- You can access the 60-Second video on Drowsy Driving directly
