Drowsy Driving

Some things you take into your mouth may be even more dangerous than alcohol. Over-the-counter hay-fever medications, for example, can cause fall-asleep crashes. Researchers at the University of Iowa tested 40 allergy sufferers in a driving simulator. After standard doses of Benadryl and similar medicines, drivers suffered more loss of "coherence," or the ability to match the speed of the vehicle ahead, than did drivers consuming alcohol in similar tests. Antihistamines and diphenhydramine had an effect very much like alcohol on steering ability and on the likelihood of crossing into oncoming lanes. It should be noted that many medications containing these ingredients warn the user not to drive.

YOU'RE AT RISK OF A FALL-ASLEEP CRASH WHEN:

• you have slept less than seven to eight hours the night before
• you have driven for more than two hours without a break
• you have been awake for more than 12 hours
• you are driving at night or when you would normally be sleeping
• you have consumed alcohol or medications that make you drowsy
• you are driving alone on a long trip
• you have an untreated sleep disorder
• you ate a heavy meal before starting out
• you work two jobs or odd hours

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