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1 in 24 Admit Falling Asleep Behind Wheel

CDC survey suggests drowsy driving is a real problem

By John Johnson,  Newser Staff

Posted Jan 3, 2013 4:19 PM CST

(Newser) – A big CDC survey finds that 1 in 24 Americans admit to nodding off while driving at least once, reports AP. What's worse, officials think the number is probably higher because people often don't remember doing so. Men are more likely to fall asleep, as are those ages 25 to 34, and Texans in general, for reasons that aren't explained. Add it to the list of road dangers, along with people driving too fast or too slow, going the wrong way, texting, driving while drunk or stoned, driving with a lapdog, and, of course, making espresso in the car.

Don't nod off.
Don't nod off.   (Shutterstock)
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COMMENTS
Showing 3 of 16 comments
jigga.wut
Jan 5, 2013 2:12 AM CST
I have never fallen asleep behind the wheel because once I feel tired or start to lose focus I do something radical like open the window on a freezing night or usually just pull into a motel and spend the night there if energy drinks don't work.  I have a bone to pick with people who think everyone who hasn't done it is a liar, because they are the same people who say, "everyone pees in the shower, and those who don't are liars."  I don't fall asleep behind the wheel AND I DON'T PEE IN THE SHOWER!!!  
1942
Jan 4, 2013 5:43 PM CST
The other 23 are liars. Who can remember the last microsecond being awake as they fall asleep.  No One.  All we remember is that we are waking up. I had gambled all night in New Mexico, when I ran out of money, didn't even have enough for a motel, drove home to Arizona.  Interstate 40.  Took a short cut on a side road home.  The next thing I knew I was parked over a ditch with a big tree in front of me.   It was 5:30 Am.  Lucky the road is not patroled. I was gambling at Harrah's in Maricopa.  I had a few Chivas Regals and ran out of money.  On the way home I was awakened by the roar of the indented road cuts that let us know we are losing control. I have fallen asleep, and herewith I confess it.  We are vulnerable to falling asleep.  When driving behind an 18 wheeler...watch him...he goes back and forth in and out of his lane.  He is asleep.  He is human.  We depend on him to bring us our goods.  He knows he is asleep...he knows...just....he knows..watch out for him. A whole family was wiped out on the side of the road between Tucson and Phoenix some time ago.  The 18 wheeler was asleep. I am almost 71 years old, so I have done some things right.
fractal
Jan 4, 2013 4:03 PM CST
I never fell asleep while driving, but once I was so tired that I left the gas pump nozzle attached to my car, and tried to drive off.
 

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