Think about the last time you had a late Friday night out. How many hours of sleep did you get? Four, maybe five? We all know the average adult needs between seven and nine hours, but some of us seem to function pretty well when we’re a bit sleep deprived. You might think you’re okay to drive, but you should probably think again.
Fatigue related accidents can happen at any time of the day, not just late at night or early in the morning. Driving drowsy can be even more dangerous than drunk driving because even a drunk person can brake… sleeping drivers can’t. If you got less than seven hours of sleep the night before, or have been awake for more than 17 hours, here are some simple steps you can take to determine if you are safe to drive:
Answer a list of questions. I am totally in favor of printing out a copy of a questionnaire like the one the RACV (Rural Ambulance Victoria and Metropolitan Ambulance Service) has put together. Tape it to the inside of your visor so you can have easy access to it anytime you are about to drive after a restless night’s sleep or long work day.
The transport for New South Wales came up with an excellent quiz you can take to determine if you’re too tired to drive… and, if I’m being honest, it’s pretty fun to take! Bookmark this on your smartphone and take it every time you get ready to drive somewhere while feeling sleepy.
I know it can seem excessive to take an Uber or hitch a ride from a friend when you’re not drunk and you feel functional… but it definitely beats the alternative. Wouldn’t you rather be safe than sorry? Just remember, if you got fewer than seven hours of sleep and/or have been awake for more than 17 hours, you may be better off taking a power nap before you get behind the wheel.
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