Drowsy driving cause for concern Published Aug. 30, 2005 SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE, Ill. -- In July 2004, three Fairchild AFB, Wash., Airmen, all in their early 20s, and the 16-year-old brother of one of the Airmen were involved in an automobile mishap that changed their lives for ever. Its a mishap thats all too familiar still today, according to Air Force safety officials; falling asleep at the wheel.What started out as a 1,140 mile road trip to Las Vegas with friends over a three-day weekend, turned into tragedy as one of them suffered fatal head injuries when the sport utility vehicle they were riding in left the road and rolled multiple times.While two of the Airmen received a safety briefing from their flight chief before the start of the extended weekend, their decision to make the trip despite having just completed a full day shift and not getting the appropriate rest proved costly.The foursome left Spokane, Wash., at approximately 8 p.m. They alternated driving duties to allow for adequate rest, a decision most would say was smart, given the 1,100-mile drive.Most people think that if you alternate drivers, youll be able to stay refreshed enough to drive beyond your normal limits, said Air Mobility Commands Traffic Safety manager, Richard Garsnett. While there are some people who can get sound enough sleep while someone else drives, most dont achieve the appropriate level required to maintain good focus and control behind the wheel. In the Fairchild mishap, rotating drivers wasnt enough.At 5:40 a.m., the time of day when the operators body would have normally wanted to sleep, the driver apparently dozed off. At mile marker 391 near Plymouth, Utah, the vehicle departed the paved surface, crossed over the southbound on-ramp, and off the west side of the interstate. The driver overcorrected, struck a delineator post, skidded across the southbound lane and began to roll. The vehicle came to rest upside down near the east side of the median. The driver died.Just like in the 2004 mishap, fatigue and falling asleep at the wheel continue to account for numerous motor vehicle accidents each year. According to Mr. Garsnett, conservative numbers put accidents caused by drowsy driving at approximately 100,000 annually nationwide.Drowsy driving can be just as dangerous as driving under the influence, he said. When youre tired, your reaction time slows, your awareness decreases and your judgment is impaired; just like it is after consuming alcohol.Unfortunately, 2005 has seen its fair share of drowsy driving-related accidents, he said.In a mishap earlier this month, a senior airman from an Air Mobility Command base was seriously injured when the vehicle she was operating drifted off the road.The initial investigation revealed the senior airman worked three 12- to 14-hour shifts prior to the mishap, which occurred 13 hours after she got off duty. The accident occurred approximately seven hours and 412 miles from her home station.Its likely the senior airman didnt get the required sleep or rest after her extended work schedule, said Doug Morton, AMC chief of Ground Safety. And, she still had another 200-plus miles to go on her 600-plus mile trip.Mr. Morton said its not uncommon for Airmen to push themselves, especially on three day weekends or over holiday breaks.They think they can make it, that they wont lose focus or fall asleep, he said.According to an article on the American Automobile Association Web site, nearly half of accidents attributed to drowsy driving happen between 9 p.m. and 6 a.m. The article went on to say the biological urge to sleep peaks after midnight; however, many people also experience a slump in the middle of the afternoon, particularly after a heavy lunch.In addition, drivers who have had less than six hours of sleep the night before or who have remained awake 20 hours or more are at a higher risk of falling asleep at the wheel.Driving long, straight stretches of highway place drivers at an increased risk as well, especially when theyre already fatigued and drowsy, said Mr. Morton.The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and AAA recommend drivers and passengers be on the alert for the following driver symptoms: trouble keeping eyes open; day dreaming; yawning; drifting from one lane to another; tailgating; missing signs or exits; and irritability and restlessness.It only takes a couple seconds to doze off. Those seconds could set a driver on a course they cant negotiate out of, said Mr. Morton. If passengers are paying attention to the drivers condition, that might be all thats needed to prevent a possible mishap.To avoid potential disaster, safety officials also recommend getting a good nights rest before beginning a road trip; protecting ones eyes from glare by using sunglasses; avoiding alcohol and heavy meals; stopping every two hours for rest, a stretch and a light snack; and traveling with a passenger who can share the driving duties.If you feel drowsy, pull over in a well-traveled area or rest stop, turn off the engine, and secure your windows and doors, said Mr. Garsnett. Rest for at least 20 minutes, then take a walk so you can assess your fatigue or drowsiness level.Mr. Garsnett also recommends drivers wear seat belts, follow posted speed limits, and reduce speed and increase stopping and following distances during inclement weather.Besides these tips, planning how much to drive in one day can help prevent a mishap. According to Joint Federal Transportation regulations, its recommended drivers only drive 350 miles per day.If you are the lone driver, driving farther than 350 miles in a single day increases your likelihood of being in an accident, said Mr. Garsnett.The bottom line is to not take any chances with drowsiness, because sleepiness often creeps up on a driver without any warning, he said. Dont continue your trip if youre not refreshed. Air Mobility Command News Service is a service of the Internal Division Office of Public Affairs 503 Ward Drive, Room 214 Scott Air Force Base, Illinois 62225-5335 618-229-7821