We all get tired, and most of us drive cars, but how often do we drive when we’re tired?
A large body of data exists to highlight the kind of damage done by drowsy-drivers each year. We know that naps improve cognition (provided that they are of the right length of time), and that fatigue reduces reaction times and can lead to errors. Fridulv Sagberg recently published a study for the Institute of Transport of Norway which found some other interesting facts about falling asleep while driving:
- 1 in 10 males reported falling asleep driving in the previous 12 months, with 40% of these drivers reporting running off the road during these episodes of sleep-driving
- Drivers reluctance to stop driving despite being tired is thought to have contributed to sleep related accidents
The following was found to increase the odds of falling asleep behind the wheel:
- Dry roads
- High speed limits e.g. highways
- Driving your own car
- High education
Australia: lots of dry weather, lots of highways, most of us own cars, but are we smart enough to know when rest and when to drive!
