Effects Of Fatigue On The Wheel
Drowsy driving and drunk driving may seem like distinct issues, but they share a common thread – both significantly impair a driver’s ability to operate a vehicle safely.
While the effects of alcohol impairment and fatigue differ, the dangers they pose on the road are equally alarming.
The Effects of Drunk Driving
Alcohol impairment affects various aspects of driving, including:
- Eyesight and depth perception
- Ability to judge speed
- Impulsiveness and risk-taking behavior
- Overconfidence
The Effects of Drowsy Driving
Fatigue, on the other hand, primarily affects a driver’s:
- Vigilance and ability to stay alert
- Reaction time and response to situations
- Ability to multitask and coordinate actions
The Alarming Statistics
Research reveals that the effects of fatigue can be comparable to those of alcohol impairment:
- After 18 hours of being awake, reaction time, vigilance, and hand-eye coordination are impaired, similar to having a blood alcohol content (BAC) of 0.05%.
- After 20 hours of being awake, drowsy drivers are impaired to a level equivalent to a BAC of 0.08%, the current legal limit in most states.
- After 24 hours awake, impairment is equivalent to a BAC of 0.1%.
Even mild and short-term sleep deprivation can cause significant impairments to driving ability.
The similarities between drowsy driving and drunk driving are undeniable.
Both pose a significant threat to road safety, and it’s essential to take preventive measures to avoid driving while impaired.
Produced by
Safety and Victims Advocacy Foundation (The Gambia)
In collaboration with The Traffic Pulse Newsletter
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