Even though we can not talk about exact figures, which are different from one country to another, we can talk about a percentage of road accidents caused by sleepiness, ranging from 10 to 30 percent of the total road accidents produced in -one year.
A recent study shows that driving drunkenness is the main cause of road accidents. Given that about 1.2 million people die worldwide each year due to road accidents, we can think, according to the percentages above, that sleepiness is related to 120,000 of the annual deaths. Besides the loss of life, many people remain crippled after fatigue accidents. Reducing driving fatigue is a responsibility that must be assumed by the transport industry, operators and, last but not least, professional drivers.
Drivers can participate actively by following a few basic steps that will allow them to stay on alert. These include good nutrition while traveling, planning regular breaks, relaxing muscles during breaks, sleeping when needed as well as avoiding alcohol consumption, psychotropic and hallucinogenic substances, including medicines that reduce the ability to lead.
So let’s take the short list below, as well as the IMPERADOR, to increase your chances of staying alert throughout your journey.
Four tips to keep you in shape and alert at the wheel:
Eat regular meals
Serving breakfast, lunch and evening meals is vital. Between meals, eat two to three snacks, such as fruits, nuts, a sandwich, or a yogurt, between meals. Diversify eating, eat lots of vegetables, fruit and drink water. Avoid candy, cakes, energy drinks, lemonade and refreshments. They do not have nutritional complexes and give you unnecessary energy.
Plan and pause
Schedule your regular stops in specially designed spaces, taking into account the long-lived long-distance roads and potential traffic jams. During short stops, try to make basic movements such as: ride in fresh air alongside the truck a few minutes a day (the light makes you stay alert). Also, bend your knees while keeping your arms up. He stretches his legs and arms. Repeat this exercise five times.
Rest when you feel the need
If you feel tired, it is advisable to stop, drink one or two coffees and try to sleep for 20 minutes in a dark and quiet place to make caffeine. Keep in mind, “cat sleep” helps but does not substitute normal rest for seven or eight hours.
Avoid taking medication
Avoid alcohol and medicines that cause drowsiness and affect a person’s ability to react and focus. Remember, alcohol and medication can have a tiring effect the day after consumption.
