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Don't drive if you're sleepy

A lot of accidents can be avoided if drivers take adequate rest, says S. Masilamani

Thousands of drivers fall asleep at the wheel and either cause or become victims of accidents. Such accidents are very common in straight roads and in good driving conditions. A lot of the accidents on the highways are due to sleepy drivers.

It is mostly between four and six in the morning, than any other time of the day, that a driver is likely to nod off and crash. Late afternoon is also danger time. Our body clock urges us to sleep twice a day — at night and in the afternoon, especially after a heavy lunch.

That is why it is recommended that drivers take a very light meal when they are on a long road trip. The sleep related accidents usually involve the drivers of lorries, heavy trucks and long distance vehicles.

Lorry drivers especially sometimes drive non-stop for almost eight to ten hours or even more. Once they reach their destination they have to unload their cargo and set off on their return journey almost immediately.

They are sleep deprived and are most likely to fall asleep while driving. Any person who drives for too long after too little rest is at risk.

No matter how loud the music in his car is playing or how strongly the breeze is blowing in his face, the driver's eyes sometimes close involuntarily.

So never drive for too long without taking an adequate break. If possible share the driving. Avoid driving altogether if you haven't had a good night's sleep.

(The writer is Deputy Comissioner of Police (Traffic), Coimbatore)

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