Drowsy driving is one of the most significant traffic safety hazards American motorists face.
Yet it is one of the least talked about, especially for teen drivers. Studies show that teens are among the highest risk groups who do not get enough sleep, and as a result, are most likely to be involved in a drowsy driving car accident. The National Healthy Sleep Awareness Project is hoping to shine a spotlight on this important issue and is urging parents to talk with their teens about the dangers of drowsy driving.
INCREASED RISK FOR TEENS
Teens in general need more sleep than adults because they are at an important stage of growth and development. Experts suggest that teens get eight to ten hours of sleep every night, with a little more than nine hours being the optimal amount of sleep needed to achieve the daytime alertness required to eliminate the risk of drowsy driving.
There are a number of factors that can keep teens from getting adequate sleep including demanding academic schedules, involvement in sports and other activities. They may have jobs or responsibilities to care for younger siblings. Furthermore, many are tempted by the 24-hour digital world of social media or video games. With so much competing for their time, it is easy to see how sleep is not a priority. When teens do not get enough sleep during the week, they tend to stay up late and sleep in on the weekends. These irregular sleep patterns can lead to poor quality of sleep or even sleep disorders.
Biological changes can also play a role. When children become adolescents, they experience a shift in sleep patterns for both sleeping and waking, making it difficult for teens to fall asleep before 11 p.m. or wake up before 8 a.m. – when many high schools are already starting classes.
PARENTS CAN REINFORCE HEALTHY SLEEP HABITS
Parents are often unaware of how sleep habits may be affecting their teen’s ability to perform important tasks like driving. The Healthy Sleep Project encourages parents to find out how much sleep their kids are really getting and understand what is preventing them from getting enough. Other steps parents can take include:
Talking about the importance of healthy sleep – A lack of quality sleep can affect every aspect of a teen’s life, including academics, athletic performance, and mood and behavior. It can also cause significant health issues, including weight gain and obesity, skin problems, and can lower the immune system.
Help teens develop a bedtime routine that promotes quality sleep – Encourage your teen to put away the phone, computer or tablet at least an hour before bed. Set restrictions for TV time before bed and if necessary, remove electronics from the bedroom.
Talk to teens about the dangers of drowsy driving – Most teens are not aware that if they sleep less than eight hours a night, they are 33% more likely to be involved in a car accident than those who get eight hours of sleep or more; or that being awake for just 18 hours can have the same effect as being legally drunk. Moreover, adults and teens alike may not be able to recognize the effects their own fatigue has on their ability to drive unless they know how to spot the warning signs. Parents are advised to teach teens how to recognize important indicators and instruct them to pull over and get someone else to drive if they are experiencing any of the following:
Excessive yawning or heavy eyelids
Drifting out of a lane or following too close to the vehicle ahead
Inability to remember the last few miles driven
Missing exits or failing to observe traffic signs or signals
Model healthy habits – Numerous studies confirm that kids and teens take cues from parental behavior. Healthy sleep habits and safe driving practices are no exception.
