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DISTRACTED & DOZING
About
the only way to account for some of the one vehicle crashes is that the
driver was distracted from his driving responsibility or was dozing. Neither is
a reasonable excuse, of course, because every driver should know that they must
be constantly alert while behind the wheel.
The
responsible driver must train himself to resist these human weaknesses. We must
bring ourselves to realize that it is too dangerous to let any worry over our
problems distract us from our driving responsibility. If the problem is of such
magnitude that we cannot "put it on the shelf" until the driving job
is finished, then we'd better ask the boss to let us take time off to settle our
mind.
It is
important to keep in mind is that driving a motor vehicle requires us to be
continually making decisions. In order to make logical decisions, we must weigh
all the facts. The only way we can have all the facts is to keep our attention
focused where the action is—right there in front of our vehicle.
Unless
we train ourselves constantly to keep our attention on the road ahead, a lot of
interesting scenes can hold our attention to the roadside. The responsible
driver gives such distractions only a quick glance and turns attention back to
the road ahead.
To
prevent drowsiness, the most practical way is to get plenty of sleep before
starting a trip and to avoid that which induces drowsiness, such as heavy meals
and alcoholic beverages.
Bad air
we breathe in a closed vehicle can make us drowsy as we ride along on soft,
comfortable seat cushions. We should adjust our windows to admit cool, fresh
air, and we should sit erect at the wheel. Slouching in the seat can increase
our desire for sleep.
There
are several things we can do to offset the drowsy feeling. A brief stop for
coffee may do the trick—but beware of stronger stimulants, such as pep pills
(amphetamines), which can have unpleasant side effects.
Cold
water or an ice cube in a cloth applied to eyelids, face and neck will be
invigorating and should chase away drowsiness.
Brisk
exercise will be helpful in overcoming sleepiness. When a driver gets out of the
seat to do a few knee bends or push‑ups it may look strange to passersby,
but our driver won't be drowsy. Jogging briskly along the side of the road can
restore tone to mind and muscle and bring us awake.
If we
have another driver with us, we can let that person take the wheel for a while,
and we can relax. If we don't have confidence in their driving ability, we'll
wake up fast.
If
there's no other choice, remember that nothing cures sleepiness like sleep. We
can pull off the road at a safe place and take a catnap that will restore our
alertness in a few minutes.
Above
all, we must never forget to keep constantly alert while driving.
Safety Recommendations:__________________________________________________________________________________
Job Specific Topics:_______________________________________________________________________________________
M.S.D.S Reviewed:_______________________________________________________________________________________
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