At Rutkoski Fencing, driving is a big part of many of our employees’ daily lives. Often driving large trucks, heavy equipment, and long hours to job sites. We make sure to train all our drivers on all the dangers that can occur while driving. Once of the largest risks drivers take is driving while drowsy or fatigued.
Drowsiness and fatigue can be caused by medications, working long hours, lack of sleep, depression, physical and mental overexertion, and even boredom.
Know the warning signs:
- Tired or sleepiness/ Inability to stay awake – Heavy eyelids
- Difficulty concentrating – trouble remembering the last few miles driven; missing exits or traffic signs
- Slower reaction time
- Increased error in judgment
- Drifting from your lane and hitting a rumble strip.
Driving drowsy poses the same risks as driving while intoxicated. Being awake for 18 hours straight makes you drive like you have a blood alcohol level of .05. More than 6400 deaths annually are caused by sleep deprived drivers.
Prevent drowsy driving before taking the wheel to save your life and others on the road around you.
- Get enough sleep! Most adults need at least 7 hours of sleep a day
- Develop good sleeping habits, such as sticking to a sleep schedule.
- If you have a sleep disorder or have symptoms of a sleep disorder such as snoring or feeling sleepy during the day, talk to your doctor about treatment options.
- Avoid drinking alcohol or taking medications that make you sleepy. Be sure to check the label on any medications or talk to your pharmacist.
- If your eyes start to feel heavy while you are driving pull over and take a nap, even 20 minutes will help.
