The Risks of Drowsy Driving

If you're a licensed driver (and even if you're not), you've surely heard countless tales of the dangers of drunk driving and buzzed driving. There are hundreds of stories about accidents related to alcohol, and the consequences for being caught driving while intoxicated can be severe. 

However, most people are not as familiar with the dangers of driving while drowsy or sleepy. Many people are surprised to learn that sleepy driving can be just as dangerous as drunk driving. In an attempt to keep our roads safe, your friends at our local dealership in Camdenton, MO are here to help educate you on some facts about drowsy driving.

Drowsy Driving is Dangerous - and Hard to Predict
Drowsy driving is one of the most dangerous driving influences because it is impossible to predict. Police can perform breathalyzer tests on drivers to identify the presence of alcohol, but there is no test to prove the driver is fatigued. Consequently, drivers are personally responsible for staying off of the roads when they're tired.

Drowsy Driving is Comparable to Drunk Driving
Contrary to popular belief, the effects of drowsiness on the body are very similar to those of intoxication. Just like alcohol, sleepiness reduces reaction time, impairs judgment, and hurts concentration.

Most Drowsy Driving Accidents Have Characteristics in Common 
Certain types of roads or certain times of day tend to lend themselves to more drowsy driving accidents. For example, most drowsy driving accidents tend to happen in the mid-afternoon or at night, when most people's circadian rhythms cause them to be more sleepy. Rural, straight, uneventful roads also seem to lend themselves to drowsy driving accidents, because the drivers tend to be less mentally engaged.

Only YOU Can Prevent Drowsy Driving
While drowsy driving is hard for officials to recognize, there are certain warning signs you, as a driver, can recognize. If you have trouble keeping your eyes open, staying in your lane, or remembering the last few miles driven, you probably need to get out from behind the wheel. 

As a licensed driver, you are responsible for knowing your limits and identifying the warning signs that indicate that you shouldn't be driving. All of us at Hulett Chevrolet-Buick-GMC encourage you to be responsible and realistic with yourself and your personal limitations - if you think you are too tired to drive, you probably are. Don't be afraid to pull over and change drivers, or, if you're driving alone, to pull over and take a brief nap. 

Keep our roads safe! Don't drive drowsy!

The Team at Hulett Chevrolet Buick GMC

513 N. Business Route 5
Camdenton, MO  65020
www.ShopHulett.com
Sales: 573.317.4197
Service:  573.317.4195