According to the Automobile Association of America one in six fatal motor accidents are caused by drowsy driving. 37% of the people who had participated in a National Sleep Foundation poll admitted to having actually fallen asleep at the wheel.
A sleep medicine doctor of Rutgers New Jersey School of Medicine, Xue Ming says that when one is sleep deprived stronger sensory stimuli are required for alertness. With little stimulation the brain can drift off to full sleep state or micro sleep that can last up to 30 seconds. During this period a person might believe he is fully awake, his eyes might be open but he is actually asleep. He suggests a 20 minute nap or 2 cups of strong coffee or brightening the dashboard lights as a means to avoid this situation. But of course if one is really sleepy he should park the car and take a cab.
No comments:
Post a Comment