Drowsiness while driving is a serious problem in the UK. It can be dangerous for even the most experienced drivers. Drowsy driving is usually caused by not getting enough sleep, but it can also be caused by untreated sleep disorders, medication, shift work, and other factors. Drowsiness can happen at any moment since it is difficult to know when your body goes into sleep. Driving while impaired is dangerous and illegal. Drowsiness can also affect your ability to pay attention and your ability to react quickly to sudden changes, such as when you have to stop or steer abruptly. While we are all well aware of the dangers of driving while alert, such as low visibility and other cars not signaling, drowsiness can also cause injury to yourself and others. A lack of sleep is responsible for 20% of all crashes. Don’t let this happen to you.
Legally Responsible
The law in the UK will hold you responsible for any car accident that you cause while you are asleep. While the courts are flexible in this area, you will be charged with dangerous driving. This is driving that is below the acceptable minimum standard and presents a danger to the safety or personal injury. Your sentence will vary according to the extent of the damage done by the accident. However, your license will be canceled at the minimum. Even if there has not been any serious injury or damage, a sentence of up to five years imprisonment is possible. Driving while you are asleep is a serious offense.
Is it That Common?
It is surprising to find that driving while tired is more common than you might think. It seems like something that can be avoided by getting enough sleep and keeping your energy levels stable. However, it is more common than you might think. If you’re looking forward to a special event or another occasion, and you can’t sleep through the night, it is possible to wake up feeling sleepy the next morning. You could end up with poor driving skills such as excessive speeding or, worse, falling asleep behind the wheel.
Even for those who are sober, most accidents happen between 2-6 am. Because the roads are quieter, people tend to be more relaxed and carefree during this time of day. This is when drivers lose their control over their vehicles, and they crash because their attention isn’t on the vehicles around them.
Two main reasons that make commercial drivers, such as those who tow buses and trucks, particularly vulnerable at this time of day are: First, commercial drivers are often on delivery deadlines or returning to their base depot. They rarely get the sleep they need and don’t break even during the night.
Warning Signs of Drowsy Driving
There’s a difference between being tired or too tired to drive. This is something you can experience at any moment. While you may feel fine while driving for an entire day, it is easy to get tired as you go.
The National Sleep Foundation identified some symptoms that can help you decide when it is time to take a break. These symptoms are:
- Constant blinking and heavy eyelids can be a sign of difficulty focusing.
- Daydreaming, keeping your eyes on the prize, and staying focused
- Difficulty remembering distances traveled in the past
- Missing your exit, drifting from your lane
- Repetitive yawning and irritability
If you feel like you’re suffering from any of these symptoms, pull over to the side of the road and find a safe spot, such as a resting place. Ask another person to drive the vehicle if they are licensed and insured. Do not panic if you experience any of these symptoms. Increased fear can lead to a greater risk of crashing.
Coffee can be helpful in small amounts, but it’s best to not rely on it for your drowsiness. Too much caffeine can cause a driver to experience slower reaction times and lapses in concentration. Coffee should not be taken as a replacement for regular breaks. It is important to remain calm, use caution, and exercise good judgment to get to your destination safely. Safer Drivers Course will teach learner drivers to develop safe driving skills and prepare for driving solo.