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Asleep at the Wheel

by Bill Uttenweiler
Aerospace Corporation
Vandenberg AFB, CA

Yes, it happens. Police list drowsiness as a contributing factor in about 10,000 auto deaths each year. According to the Better Sleep Council, 32% of men and 13% of women have nodded off at the wheel! Yes, I am one of them. My accident happened 20 years ago, when I was driving in a snowstorm after a full day of work. Fortunately I wasn’t hurt, because I skidded into an unobstructed section of median. But it could have been disastrous!

Since then, I’ve been much more careful. Some tips to help you avoid falling asleep at the wheel during the upcoming vacation season are:
* Never begin your trip if you are already sleepy.
* If you have companions in the car, keep one of them awake and talk to that person. He or she can help you stay alert, or can switch places with you if you become too tired to safely continue.
* Turn down the heater, or turn up the air conditioner. You will be more alert if you are a little bit cold.
* Open a window for both the fresh air and a little noise. Both will help keep you more alert. Your heater or air conditioner may work slightly harder, but that is a small price to pay for safety.
* Stop for breaks frequently. Stretch your legs or jog in place. You may not realize how confining even a comfortable car seat is until you get out of it.
* Turn off your cruise control. Using your foot to control vehicle speed will keep your mind more engaged.
* Turn up the volume on your radio, tape or CD. Make sure the music is upbeat and fast. Don’t lull yourself to sleep with easy listening.
* Drink plenty of fluids, but don’t overdo the caffeine in coffee and colas. Consider taking along bottles with screw-on lids or sipper bottles so you don’t have to worry about spills.
* Take along small snacks like nuts, granola, or individually wrapped candies. Stimulating your taste buds will also help keep you awake. But avoid foods so large or difficult to eat that they distract you.

Of course, if all else fails, pull into a motel and stay for the night! It may delay your arrival at your destination, but it’s a small price compared to the risk of a fatal accident.

[Webmaster's note: This article was originally written in May 1995 for the VSAC News, the VAFB newspaper Space & Missile Times, and the NCMS Channel Islands Newsletter.]