Sleeping and Driving: Never Put Them Together in the Same New or Used Car

Author: sebastiangaydos | Posted: 05.03.2012

Driving under the influence is dangerous; talking on the phone while on the wheel poses more risks; but sleeping really takes the cake. In October 2011, a 47-year-old man was charged with injuring five cyclists because he fell asleep while driving. Just this January, he was sentenced to two years in prison by the Ontario Superior Court. To be specific, he was sentenced to at least nine months for dangerous driving and 15 months for fleeing the scene of the accident.

The said accident that happened in Kanata, Ontario is a grim reminder how dangerous sleeping on the wheel can be. According to the Traffic Injury Research Foundation, in 2004, one out of five motorists admitted they fell asleep on the wheel. Drowsiness in driving accounts for 4 percent of fatal car accidents in Canada. This falls under driver fatigue—the last thing drivers like you want to experience on the road.

In light of the “sleepy” situation, the Canadian government has taken the necessary measures to give sleepy drivers a good wakeup call. Major roads and highways have rumble strips close to accident-prone areas such as intersections. They are called rumble strips because they make the car create a rumbling sound that wakes drivers up and restore their attention span. They are usually like small speed bumps that are laid across a portion of the road.

An excellent way to avert the dangers of sleep-deprived driving is to get plenty of sleep before any trip. Driving requires a driver’s utmost attention no matter what car he is using: brand new or used cars for sale Edmonton has to offer. Lack of focus on the road can have dire penalties such as the case with the convicted sleepy driver. If you cannot help but feel sleepy along the way, pull over and take a short break.

Sleep-deprived driving affects drivers on a long road trip even more, as he usually spends more time on the road. This is where the importance of making stopovers comes in, whether it is a gas station or a roadside diner. Experts recommend making a stopover every two hours on the road or every 100 miles driven. Drivers of used cars in Edmonton should make the stopover the moment they feel sleepy.

There is nothing wrong with sleeping and driving—just the fact that these two normally do not go together like flapjacks and maple syrup. The last thing you want to happen is to get a visit from Mr. Sandman himself while on the road. Both new and used cars in Edmonton come with safety features that can save your life. However, discipline in driving still accounts for overall safety.

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