Getting good night's rest key to safe driving

  • Published
  • By Master Sgt. Paul Gomez
  • 56th Fighter Wing Safety Office
LUKE AIR FORCE BASE, Ariz. --  As the holiday season approaches, driver fatigue is a problem that should be foremost in the minds of motorists and travelers.

Falling asleep behind the wheel is, unfortunately, not uncommon, and the accidents that result are as lethal as those caused by driving drunk. Like alcohol, fatigue slows reaction time and impairs judgment and vision. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration conservatively estimates that 100,000 police-reported accidents are the direct result of driver fatigue each year, resulting in an estimated 1,550 deaths, 71,000 injuries and $12.5 billion in monetary losses including diminished productivity and property loss.

The human body is governed by an internal clock known as the circadian rhythm. In each 24-hour cycle, it signals the body to sleep when it's dark and wake when it's light. It causes the body to tire between midnight and 6 a.m. and then again in mid afternoon. When driving during these time periods, drivers should be aware of the risks, and ensure they get plenty of rest beforehand.

There is no test to determine sleepiness like the breathalyzer, which determines intoxication. When the body signals sleepiness, drivers should stop for the night. Although less ideal, stopping in a safe area to rest for a shorter period of time is an option. Drinking coffee can also provide a short-term boost, but will not decrease a person's need for sleep. The only way to deal with driver fatigue is getting adequate rest.

Other driving safety concerns include reduced visibility due to fog, rain, snow or nighttime driving. Driving slower and keeping a respectful distance will give drivers more time to react during the best of circumstances, but especially when driving conditions are poor. Driving behind a minivan, SUV or tractor trailer severely limits visibility as well.

It is everyone's responsibility to be alert, awake and not impaired by drugs or alcohol when behind the wheel of any vehicle.