National Safe Driving Week, Dec. 1 – 7, draws attention to the special circumstances involved with winter driving conditions. However, it is also an opportunity to think about all aspects of safe driving.

One thing to consider is that in the winter, the interior of a vehicle is usually quite warm. Due to shorter days, drivers may also be driving in the dark both on their way to and from work. This creates conditions that can induce sleepiness.

In normal circumstances, it would be advisable to pull over and have a short nap. However, winter conditions present a unique danger because if the vehicle is turned off, one can get very cold or freeze. On the other hand, keeping the vehicle running, can create a carbon monoxide danger.

If you are pulling over to have a roadside nap in the winter, ensure that the vehicle flashers are on and that one or more windows are open an inch or two to allow for fresh air. Also, consider calling someone, let them know you’ve stopped for a nap and request that they call you in 15 – 20 minutes. Don’t just set your own alarm because if you were to succumb to carbon monoxide, the alarm would be of no value.

Strategies for Health and Well-Being

Have a winter safety kit in your car.

Recognize conditions which can cause sleepiness.

Keep the interior of the vehicle cooler.

Listen to talk radio or lively music.

Learn more tips for managing sleepiness and fatigue while driving on our new CD,

Drive Alert: 38 Minutes That Could Save Your Life.

ZZZ… News January 7, 2009

Though there is an ever-increasing awareness about the dangers of driving while sleepy or fatigued, there are few reliable strategies for maintaining driver alertness. While this is often a concern for those in the transportation industry, automakers are also taking the issue to heart.

As reported in AutoWeek, Mercedes Benz has designed an in-car system that will alert drivers who appear to be failing in their ability to maintain alertness. Built into the E-class cars, the system is designed around a steering sensor and will provide a warning chime. For the complete story see http://www.autoweek.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=2008812249991

The Mercedes Benz system is highly sophisticated, but you may be interested in the very simple over-the-ear devices which are also available. These are basically motion sensors that buzz when your head starts to fall forward. You can find an example of such a device at www.dozealert.com.

All alerting devices are meant to be that - alerting devices. The key to their effectiveness is that the driver actually stops and takes a rest break or nap. They are not intended to help you drive further or longer and can be very dangerous when used for such a purpose.

Strategies for Health and Well-Being

Take frequent breaks when driving. Stop every 3 or 4 hours when driving long distances.

Drink water as you drive. In addition to promoting alertness, it will promote the need to stop for a bathroom break. Drivers may find this annoying but it may be a very inexpensive life insurance policy.

Chew on crunchy snacks like carrot sticks, celery, apples and sunflowers.

Use aromatherapy such as peppermint or citrus to promote alertness.

Keep the interior of the vehicle cool.

Almost all shift workers can recall incidents of sleepiness while driving. They will say. “I remember getting in the car at work and I remember driving into the driveway, but I don’t remember anything along the way.” Worst case scenarios involve accidents and deaths.

You can reduce the potential for sleepiness incidents if you:

-Recognize sleepiness (head nodding, focus on hood of vehicle rather than road, not remembering key landmarks and intersections while driving)

-Stop and pull off the road when the symptoms of sleepiness appear. (Note that many drivers do not recognize sleepiness symptoms or think they can shake it off. Stop sooner rather than later.)

-Have a nap (either while on the road or before you get in your vehicle).

-Breathe deeply. Drink water.

-Turn head from side to side.

-Stretch big muscles from time to time.

-Keep vehicle cool.

-Use aromatherapy scent like peppermint or lemon.

-Chew on crunchy snacks like carrot sticks and pretzels.

-Vary your route home so that you must be more attentive.

-If you are carpooling, ensure that the front passenger stays awake and checks on the status of the driver.

Employers, too, bear responsibility for ensuring the safety of their employees while they are driving.

Employers can provide rest rooms for those who wish to rest before driving taxi’s or other group and public transportation options education about alertness strategies for driving juice or coffee at the end of shift.

New laws are holding drivers criminally responsible for deaths due to sleepiness accidents and employers are being held liable when their employees are driving tired after long hours of work. For everyone’s safety and well-being, practise alertness promoting strategies while driving and do not drive, even short distances, when tired.

There is plenty of evidence to suggest that those who drive home in the morning after a night shift are more at risk for driving accidents. More recently concern is being raised regarding the safety of those who are leaving work late at night. The concern is that those who walk or use public transportation late at night may be at risk, especially since a number of young women have been killed on their way home from work late at night.

A related question with this issue is the extent to which an employer should bear responsibility for ensuring a safe passage home for employees who leave work late at night. Some jurisdictions currently require that employers provide free and safe transportation for the employee. This may be in the form of a cab or ride provided by the manager. Whether all jurisdictions should require such regulation is still a matter of debate.

Strategies for Health and Safety

-If your organization requires employees to travel home from work after midnight, ensure that they have a safe means home. Public transportation late at night may not always be the safest choice.

-Contact workplace regulators to determine what, if any, regulations apply to late night travel from work in your jurisdiction.

-Develop policies for those employees required to travel late at night from work.

-Provide cab vouchers if necessary.

-Provide education on how to travel safely late at night.

-Consult with local police services and safety councils.