We all know that feeling. We’re cruising along, tired and distracted after a long hard day and thinking of all the things we need to get done, when all of a sudden we’re miles down the road with no recollection of getting there. It’s scary, upsetting, and very dangerous.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, nearly one in 25 adult drivers report having fallen asleep at the wheel within the last month. Data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reveals that over 10% of drivers admit to nodding off behind the wheel at least once a year, with drowsy-driving incidents leading to more than 1,550 deaths, 71,000 injuries, and $12.5 billion in economic losses annually.
Even mild sleep deprivation can impair cognitive functions to levels comparable to a blood alcohol concentration of 0.08, which is more than the legal limit in Alberta. Both conditions lead to slower reaction times and affect alertness and decision-making. Fatigue affects our ability to stay vigilant of the road and respond appropriately and is particularly risky in situations that require fast reflexes to avoid a crash.
Why do we drive when we’re tired?
Researchers have discovered that drivers often push themselves to continue travelling, even as our bodies are asking us to rest. We are a hard-working population that sometimes fails to take care of ourselves, which can lead to dangerous lapses in attention. Common reasons for driver fatigue include:
- Long driving hours: While the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration sets driving limits for commercial drivers, there are no federal limits for private drivers. In Canada, where many cities are hundreds of kilometres apart, it’s not uncommon to spend eight or more hours on the road trying to get to your destination. In Alberta, commercial drivers are limited to 13-hour days.
- Lack of sleep: Many people are sleep-deprived. The Mayo Clinic suggests at least seven hours of sleep each night for adults to be healthy, however Sleep Statistics 2024 say that most get less than that.
- Long work hours: Commercial drivers are required to take breaks after a set number of hours, but many people with long workdays face extended commutes without the same enforced breaks.
- Medications: Many medications cause drowsiness. Be sure to read warning labels carefully and do not drive when on medications that make you sleepy.
- Boredom: Boredom can increase the risk of drowsy driving, especially with automated driving features such as cruise control that lessen the need for continuous attention. While handy on long trips, cruise control can also reduce reaction times and increase the potential of speeding.
Medical conditions contributing to drowsy driving
Medical conditions also increase the risk of drowsy driving, including:
- Sleep apnea: This condition disrupts restful sleep due to repeated interruptions in breathing.
- Narcolepsy: Sudden sleep attacks characterize this condition, leading to excessive daytime sleepiness.
- Chronic insomnia: This ongoing difficulty sleeping results in chronic fatigue.
If you suffer from any of these conditions, consult with your doctor about your ability to operate a motor vehicle.
The dangers of falling asleep at the wheel
At 56 kilometres per hour, a vehicle travels about 50 feet per second, meaning in only two seconds your vehicle can travel over 100 feet. If you lose control of your vehicle during this time, a collision with other vehicles, pedestrians, or even trees may result.
Falling asleep behind the wheel can lead to a distracted driving ticket in Alberta, which carries with it a $287 fine and three-demerit point penalty. Even more serious, however, are the number of insurance companies that will not renew your coverage because of a distracted driving ticket. Consumers are telling of incidences where they had their collision and comprehensive coverage removed after a distracted driving ticket, while their car insurance rates were also increased considerably – some say as much as 25%.
Can’t find affordable insurance? Brokers are your best bet
At Lane’s Insurance, we believe that everyone deserves great car insurance at reasonable prices. If you’re stuck in a situation where your insurance company keeps raising your rates despite your clean driving record, or that refuses to renew your policy, contact a Lane’s Insurance representative. We work for you, not the insurance companies, and are able to access a number of different policies from Canada’s leading car insurance policies. That means we do the shopping for you. We’ll work closely with you to ensure your coverage needs are met at a price you can afford, giving you the chance to prove yourself through responsible behaviour and enjoy the lower rates that come with reduced risk. Contact us at our Calgary, Banff, Edmonton and greater Alberta offices for a free and easy consultation.
