While watching TV this weekend i was flipping through the channels and happened to come across myth busters which I always find interesting. I started watching the episode and it happened to be on driving while tired. They were testing the theory that driving tired could be just as bad as drunk driving. New Jersey now has a law called Maggie's law that is dedicated to a 20 year old girl who was called by a driver who fell asleep at the wheel. The law states that if you have been awake for 24 hours or more than it is illegal for you to drive. I just found this very interesting because I know that sleep deprivation can lead so weight gain, mood swings, drowsiness, weakened immune system and now death? With the way everyone is so busy people are not getting there full 8 hours of sleep let alone even 6 hours of sleep. I know I maybe get 5-6 myself with school and work. So I thought with finals and the holiday coming up it is important to make sure you are getting enough sleep while going to holiday gatherings and visiting friends. After watching the show I decided to do a little research on the topic and it is in fact true. Driving while tired and is equally equivalent to driving drunk if not worse. The article I found came from US news and health and was interesting when listing the rates and facts about just how many accidents occur from driving while tired. So rest up bewtween the holiday fun.
To read more about the facts and alcohol percentage to sleep ratio click the link: DROWSYDRIVING
My brother was in a single car accident after something similar to this. He had just got done working a double shift and headed home. While on the way, he dozed off and the car ran into and along a guardrail. It could have turned out far worse than what it did but I see how this could happen.
ReplyDeleteI am also interested in the law that was passed in NJ because it states that it's illegal to drive after 24 hours with no sleep. How can they prove how long it's been since someone has slept? How do you enforce a law like that?
This is really interesting because two years ago I had to pull an all nighter for a class. I was up all night and didn't have time to nap the next day either. That day we were moving out from school and I had to drive home two hours on no sleep. I was so out of it that I actually ended up rear ending someone because I wasnt paying attention. It is scary how many people probably drive when tired and don't think anything of it. Its interesting that it is just as bad if not worse than drunk driving, since that is illegal!
ReplyDeleteI'm shocked that they are equal! From all the notifications of deaths from drunk driving, I thought it was the worst. This blog got my attention because I know I've driven very tired before and had to roll down my window to keep me awake. The best advice was given from my dad. He told me to chew gum when your tired driving to keep you awake.
ReplyDeleteIt is really interesting how driving drowsy maybe equally or even worst than drunk driving. You don't hear about people getting into car accidents from driving drowsy. I also heard that all the techniques you may have for trying to stay up behind the wheel when you are already drowsy, only lasts a couple of minutes. I heard many techniques such as chewing gum, rolling down the window, turning up the music, but the best way is to pull over and take a nap, or have someone pick you up.
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