Studies say drowsy driving is comparable to driving drunk
MADISON COUNTY, Tenn. — As Americans make their way across the state for the long 4th of July weekend, law enforcement officers have a warning for those hitting the road. The Tennessee Trucking Association and Tennessee Highway Patrol are telling drivers to make sure and take a safety break. According to the National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration, more than 100,000 crashes are caused by tired drivers. For many travelers, regardless of where you’re traveling from, a road trip requires rest. “I have had to stop and just walk around a little bit, take a deep breath, and get back on the road,” traveler Carol Watts said. Jane Wagner, a traveler from Texas, said “I went to Google and did a Google search and decided to find rest areas on I-40 East, and pulled up all the rest areas.” However you choose to map out your road trip, experts say it’s important to plan plenty of breaks. “Some of these folks may have driven for 10, 12, even 14 hours straight. That’s too long to be behind the wheel and they need to stop and take frequent breaks at the restrooms and get a snack. They can refresh, and get back on the wheel and they’re more alert when they get back on the road,” TN Trucking Association Director of Safety Edmond Sorrell said. Dr. Peter Gardner with Physicians Quality Care says falling asleep at the wheel can happen without warning. “A large number of Americans suffer from sleep apnea and don’t know it, and something that’s too long and boring like a long car trip may bring that out,” Dr. Gardner said. Dr. Gardner says when hitting the road too early or too late, the body can fall asleep much easier. Travelers say adding time for stops makes a huge difference on the road. “It’s been a very delightful trip, but at least we know that if there’s a rest area, we need to rest, take a break, get something to eat or use the restrooms, we can do that,” explained Wagner. According to a recent study, being awake for 18 hours was equal to a blood alcohol concentration of .05. The comparison doubles to point one zero after 24 hours.
