Drowsy Driving Archives - Comedy Defensive Driving®

Drowsy Holiday Driving

Daun Thompson — Thu, 19 Nov 2015 02:41:41 +0000

I was having trouble falling asleep and all of my fellow zombie friends offered up a variety of remedies. From what I can recall, because I’ve slept since then, they suggested a plethora of both natural and synthetic sleep inducers such as Melatonin, Benadryl and Chamomile Tea. One friend even suggested I watch The Big Band Theory. Nah, just kidding, she actually told me get some tryptophan (the enzyme in turkey) and watch Scream Queens. Honestly, that worked the best. I took the tryptophan at bedtime with a side order of cranberry sauce and a nice Chianti. Perhaps it was the Chianti that knocked me out. Whatever it took, I didn’t care. I was desperate for that elusive thing called sleep. Even my dogs, that do nothing but sleep all day (they are even sleeping next to me as I write this blog), had no trouble getting to sleep at night. I considered walking in a circle, like they do, until I fell asleep. Perhaps it’s the dizziness that does them in. I hear that mixing medications will do the same. Probably the reason they don’t ask me back at the Improv. The Thanksgiving holiday is only one week away. With holiday travel and large tryptophan induced meals (that may even include alcohol), make sure you get a grip on Drowsy Holiday Driving.
Most states now have fatigue laws regarding drowsy driving. And some of those states consider a drowsy driver to be just as dangerous as a drunk driver. Which means that the penalties could be just as stringent as driving while impaired on alcohol or drugs. So, maybe limit your drinking or do not drink at all. If you do drink, designate a driver. Try to cut back on the turkey. Don’t overstuff yourself. Bring home what you can’t eat in a doggie bag. Your dogs will love that. Feed them the turkey with tryptophan. They will sleep until Christmas. And have a safe Thanksgiving holiday.
Until next week…
Daun Thompson
Writer / Comedienne / Artist
Drowsy Driving – Comedy Defensive Driving

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Fatigued Driving

Daun Thompson — Tue, 10 Feb 2015 05:56:11 +0000

When you hear the word “fatigue,” lack of sleep comes to mind. But, with cold and flu season, it’s good to remember that most cold medications contain ingredients that will not only knock your cold out, but will likely knock you out as well. Basically, any cold medication that comes with its own shot glass is a pretty good indication that you’re in for one heck of a ride. And it’s hard to justify missing work unless you’re on your death bed, right? So, there you go, driving to work while hopped up on cold medicine. Or, what the law likes to refer to as fatigued driving. You know, it is just as dangerous to be driving while fatigued as it is to be driving drunk. Most states have laws intended to curb this problem. Driving while drowsy may be punishable by a class A misdemeanor. And negligent vehicular homicide caused by driving while ability impaired by fatigue is punishable by a class E felony.

The National Transportation Safety Board reported that drowsy driving was likely the cause of more than half of crashes leading to a truck driver’s death. And, for each truck driver fatality, another three to four people are killed. And, not only taking medicine before driving, but how about if you’re not taking your medicine? Blood pressure medications, seizure medications and diabetics medications are just a few to be certain to maintain so you don’t have an episode while driving.
Just remember to read the crimp in the box and label on your medicine bottle (prescription and over the counter). They typically list indications of reactions to the medicine. And those indications contain phrases such as don’t operate machinery, don’t drive a car, may cause drowsiness, don’t mix with alcohol and don’t get anywhere near a 24 hour wedding chapel.
Until next week…
Daun Thompson
Writer / Comedienne / Artist
Fatigued Driving – Comedy Defensive Driving

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The Dangers of Drowsy Driving

Lisa — Wed, 16 Jul 2014 11:00:57 +0000

Our Florida driving school is a great option for learning how to drive defensively on the sometimes-crazy roads. You will also learn about different situations that can put you at risk for an accident, even when you don’t realize it. One of these situations is drowsy driving. There are many dangers involved with driving while you are tired.

• A decrease in the awareness of your surroundings, which means you may not notice that pedestrian in time or that car slowing down in front of you.

• A decrease in reaction time, which means when you do finally notice the pedestrian or the car, it may take you longer to react and hit the brakes.

• An impairment of your judgment, which means you may mistakenly think you have time to pass another car when you don’t.

• Problems with your vision, which can include blurred vision and watery eyes. When you are not seeing clearly, you are not driving safely.

• An increase in moodiness, which can lead to road rage and driving erratically. When you are tired, you are irritable, and other drivers can quickly annoy you, causing you to drive in ways you may not normally drive.

Here at Comedy Defensive Driving, we know all too well about the dangers of driving while you are sleepy. We don’t want you driving drowsy — we want you driving with an alert mind, clear sight, and defensive skills. Contact us today to learn more about our driving courses and how you can stay alert on the road.

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