In 60 seconds, list all of the reasons you can think of that can cause a driver to be sleepy behind the wheel. There are several—how many can you identify?
ANSWERS
Factors that increase the risk of drowsy-driving include:
- Sleep loss (ex: chronic sleepiness, acute sleep loss)
- Sleep-restrictive work patterns such as night shifts, overtime, and rotating shifts
- Change in driving patterns, such as changing the time of day or amount of time spent driving
- Use of Sedating Medications, either prescriptions or recreational drugs
- Untreated Sleep Disorders such as Sleep Apnea Syndrome and Narcolepsy
- Consumption of alcohol, which increases drowsiness and impairment