In a study done earlier this year by the University of Cincinnati where 583 grocery and pharmacy employees were polled, results found that a woman’s responsibility to care for family members resulted in higher reports of sleep disruption, so it stands to reason that with Daylight Savings Time approaching this weekend, the potential risk of drowsy driving could  increase as many of us will spend more time on the road during early evening and night hours, and if we’re not getting a good night’s sleep as it is, or find ourselves running out of steam before our day is over, we may be less alert behind the wheel. 

Results from the National Road Safety Foundation show that while 60 percent of motorists have driven while fatigued, 37 percent have admitted to falling asleep while driving. 

It’s important to recognise the warning signs of drowsiness while driving, especially when driving while tired is a significant factor in automobile crashes.

Symptoms of  drowsiness while driving include:

• Difficulty focusing
• Frequent blinking
• Rubbing eyes
• Failure to recall the last few miles driven
• Yawning
• Head Snaps
• Tailgaiting
• Drifting out of the proper driving lane

If you find yourself tired while behind the wheel, it’s time to take a break.  Stop for a cup of coffee or other caffeinated beverage, or have a snack.  Pulling over in a safe, well lit area for a little power nap can also help beat fatigue, and if you’re more than a few miles from home, perhaps getting a hotel room to catch up on your Z’s is really the best idea yet.

Remember to avoid alcohol and never take medications which may increase drowsiness while driving.

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