Anti-drowsy driving week
The National Sleep Foundation, a non-Governmental organisation in the U.S., is observing an anti-drowsy driving week from November 5 to November 12.The foundation is into sensitising people to the dangers of dozing off even for a split second while at the wheel.Uyir – a movement launched by Ganga Hospital and the Rotary Clubs here to campaign for the prevention of road accidents – begins its campaign by pointing out the risks from drowsy driving. It can kill or maim for life.“Driving during one’s normal hours of sleep or at night after hectic work during the day and a heavy supper are some of the cause for that fatal dozing off at the wheel,” says spinal surgeon and Director of the hospital S. Rajasekaran.Spearheading the movement by bringing out the multi-layered misery involved in the trauma cases that flow into his hospital, Dr. Rajasekaran says Uyir plans to highlight through the media various violations that lead to fatal accidents – both for the errant drivers and even an innocent pedestrian. “Dozing off for a few seconds while driving is among the major causes. Inadequate sleep for drivers is the most dangerous of all these,” he says.
Visits to too many temples in a few days’ pilgrimage provide very little time for sleep to the drivers. That is why we get to hear of many accidents involving pilgrims,” he points out.Another reason is too much of work and driving during family functions, such as marriage. Either a family member or a professional driver who may have not got enough time to sleep for a couple of days is at the wheel and may invariably be involved in fatal accidents after the function.Driving after a full day’s tiring conference, a heavy dinner and sometimes even a drink is a perfect recipe for disaster.A car with very good comforts and tiredness will combine to provide a floating sensation.
“Too much comfort in this case is too bad for safety,” Dr. Rajasekaran warns.In the case of pilgrims and of wedding party members involved in accidents, the doctor says the disaster mostly happens while nearing home after a punishing schedule. “Whoever drives the vehicle is tired and irritated and tries to increase the speed while getting close to home on the return trip,” he says.There are cases of people having gone to far off places but the accident had taken place when they had been about 100 km from their home in Coimbatore.
A good rest for the driver on the way or a travel begun during day may have helped in avoiding loss of lives and limbs.“We found that most of the victims who belonged to Coimbatore met with accidents only in the city’s periphery. This means that a tired driver either dozed off or decided to rush home to get some rest,” Dr. Rajasekaran points out.
