National Road Safety Week: Tips To Prevent Drowziness While Driving

It is critical to educate individuals about their shared duty of ensuring road safety and to raise driver awareness of the potential risks associated with driving while sleep deprived and fatigued.

Tips To Prevent Drowziness While Driving (Representational Image)

National Road Safety Week 2024 is observed from January 11 through January 17, with the theme ‘Prevent Loss of Human Lives’. Drivers need to be cautious and prioritise their personal safety as well as the community's safety and well-being. It is critical to educate individuals about their shared duty of ensuring road safety throughout their travels and to raise driver awareness of the potentially catastrophic risks associated with driving while sleep deprived and fatigued.

Accordint to Dr. Sibasish Dey, who is the Head of Medical Affairs, South Asia at ResMed, "As per a report by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, in 2022, the time interval between 18:00 - 21:00 hrs (Night) recorded maximum number of road accidents, accounting for 20.4 per cent of the total accidents in the country and this is in line with the pattern seen over the past five years. Fatigue brought on by inadequate sleep has been shown to increase the risk of getting involved in an accident and make it harder to maintain a safe driving behaviour."

Sleep And Accidents:

Dr. Sibasish Dey said, "Sleep serves as an essential component for physical and mental well-being, as it performs an array of processes that enhance overall health. The safety, health, and general well-being of Indians can be significantly impacted by lack of sleep and the accumulation of sleep debt. Insufficient sleep and tiredness can lead to a negative impact on overall health, while also increase the likelihood of traffic accidents. Drowsy driving due to fatigue is a severe issue that causes multiple road accidents each year."

Tips To Stay Awake On Road:

Dr Ridhi Singh, who is the HOD of Department of Holistic Healing at Prayag Hospitals Group listed the following:

• Ensure you get enough sleep before planning to go on a long drive or ride. Lack of sleep can significantly impair your ability to stay alert.
• Break up your journey with regular stops. Aim for a break every 2 hours or every 40 km. Use these breaks to stretch your legs, get some fresh air, and rehydrate.
• Dehydration can contribute to fatigue. Drink water regularly to stay hydrated, but be mindful not to consume excessive amounts that may result in frequent bathroom stops.

In addition, Dr. P Venkata Krishnan, who is a Senior Consultant of Internal Medicine at Artemis Hospital Gurugram said the following tips:

• Limit Caffeine and Sugar: While caffeine can provide a temporary boost in alertness, it is not a substitute for adequate rest. Consume caffeine in moderation and avoid excessive sugar intake, as it may lead to energy crashes.
• Interactive and Upbeat Music: Engage in music that is lively and interactive. Upbeat tunes can help maintain your alertness and focus, making the driving or riding experience more enjoyable and less monotonous.
• Drive with a Companion: Having a co-driver can provide conversation and shared responsibility, reducing the likelihood of both drivers experiencing fatigue. Take turns driving to ensure that each person has an opportunity to rest.
• Cool and Well-Ventilated Environment: Keep the vehicle well-ventilated and at a comfortable temperature. A cooler environment can help combat drowsiness better than a warm or stuffy one.

Lastly, Ravi Chandarana, who is the CEO of KwikFix Auto added the following wasy to avoid feeling drwozy while driving.

• Fresh Air: Utilize fresh air or air conditioning to stay alert.
• Carpooling: Sharing driving duties can help manage fatigue, especially on long trips.
• Natural Sleep Hours: Avoid driving during periods when you would normally be asleep.