Driving is a demanding task that requires our full attention and cognitive abilities. All of our senses must be alert when we are at the wheel, and we already know that drinking and driving is a major traffic violation for several reasons. What happens, however, when our bodies are not in their optimal condition to drive? Let’s look at the risks of driving when tired, sick, or under the influence of medication.

Image: www.transpoco.com

First of all, it is very important to establish that driving while under the influence of alcohol or controlled substances is illegal in most countries and can lead to severe penalties and even jail time. Penalties may include a suspended or revoked license, fines, required community service, mandatory installation of an ignition interlock device, jail time, and more.

The Dangers of Driving Tired

When we are tired, our reaction time and decision-making ability are impaired. As time goes by, mental fatigue, sleep deprivation, and a lack of sleep will take a toll on our bodies, remissness will take over, and consequently, will significantly degrade our driving abilities.

Driving While Asleep

Studies have shown that falling asleep behind the wheel is one of the main causes of fatal car accidents around this hemispere. Driving while tired is as dangerous as driving drunk: being awake for more than 20 hours can slow your reaction time as much as having a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08%. Additionally, other conditions that cause extreme exhaustion, such as sleep apnea, narcolepsy, or taking certain medications, can increase the risk of nodding off at the wheel.

Other Types of Hazardous Driving

Lack of sleep simply impairs a person’s mental faculties. This includes memory capacity and strength, increased irritability, diminished patience, and difficulty with problem-solving, as well as degraded reasoning abilities. As discomfort intensifies so does irritability and mental stamina. Especially long road trips at night can pose a serious risk. It is paramount to rest frequetly on longer drives. Taking rests throughout your drive gives a chance for your mind and body to recover, which can help ward off the buildup of exhaustion and fatigue.

Image: www.autoevolution.com

The Risks of Driving While Sick

Driving while sick can pose a variety of health risks, not only to yourself but also to others on the road. Some illnesses can make you less alert or aware of your surroundings.

Impaired Judgment

When we’re not feeling well, it’s harder to make good decisions. We might misjudge distances or speeds, or fail to notice hazards until it’s too late.

Slower Reaction Times

Illness can slow down our reaction time, making it more difficult to avoid accidents. This is especially true if we’re taking medication that makes us drowsy.

Increased Risk of Accidents

All of these factors can increase the risk of accidents when driving while sick. In one study, drivers who reported feeling drowsy or fatigued were more than twice as likely to be involved in a car crash.

The Dangers of Driving While Medicated

Many medications can have side effects that can affect our driving ability, such as drowsiness, dizziness, or blurred vision. It’s important to read the labels of all medications carefully and to follow the doctor’s instructions.

Some common medications that can affect driving include:

• Antihistamines
• Antidepressants
• Anti-anxiety medications
• Pain relievers
• Sleeping pills

It’s important to know how your medications may affect you before driving. If you’re not sure, talk to your doctor or pharmacist.

Tips for Staying Safe on the Road

We have provided you with the foregoing in order to shed light on the perils of operating a motor vehicle while suffering from exhaustion, illness, or while under the influence of medication. Here are a few pieces of advice to consider putting into practice in order to steer clear of potentially harmful situations and to ensure your continued well-being both on and off the road.

Get Enough Sleep

It is imperative to ensure that you are well-rested before getting behind the wheel of a motor vehicle. Most adults need around seven to eight hours of sleep per night. To determine the number of hours of sleep that are appropriate for you, it is essential to pay attention to the signals that your body is sending you. Never hesitate to pull over to a secure location and get some rest if you find that you are becoming drowsy while operating the vehicle.

Avoid Driving While Sick

If you are feeling sick, the best thing you can do is to avoid driving unless it is actually an emergency. Even if you are only suffering from a minor illness, it is still possible that your judgment and reaction time could be impaired. Even a slight impairment can increase your risk of being involved in an accident.

Be Aware of Your Medications

If you find it necessary to take medications due to an illness or other health condition, it is imperative that you take note of any potential side effects of those medications that could affect your ability to drive safely. Always read all labels associated with the medications diligently and consult with healthcare professionals (such as doctors and pharmacists) if any doubt lingers.

Driving When Tired Sick Or Medicated Causes

Let’s Conclude

Driving when tired, sick, or under the influence of substances is a reckless and dangerous act that endangers not only the driver in question but also all others who happen to be in close proximity. Always prioritize the safety and well-being of yourself, your passengers, and your fellow road users by never operating a motor vehicle while in a less-than-optimal condition. By so doing, we can all contribute to creating a safer environment for everyone on the road.

Did this pique your interest in learning even more about the potential consequences of driving while under the influence of various substances such as alcohol, drugs, or medicine? Let us know what your areas of curiosity are in this domain, and we will continue providing you with useful information tailored to each of them.