A recent news report from CBC Canada states: "A new study suggests that by wearing a special mask while they sleep, people with a sleep disorder could get a better night's sleep and drive more safely."
The mask the report talks about is, of course, CPAP - Continuous Positive Airway Pressure. CPAP does help prevent excessive daytime sleepiness, but it isn't always enough. Also, other situations, like too many hours on the road, shift work and highway hypnosis can also cause drowsiness and the danger of falling asleep at the wheel.
A report from CRASH (Canadians for Responsible and Safe Highways) carries dozens of headlines: "Bus Crash Raises Fatigue Questions," "Truck Crashes Costing Ontario Millions" "Safety Group Says Longer Trucker Hours Are unsafe."
There are more headlines. These are only a few mostly from Ontario, Canada. Multiply this by every Province and every State, and you can see that the problem of drivers falling asleep at the wheel is enormous. Technology is coming up with new inventions in attempt to reduce the problem. Australian researchers have developed a "cap" to be worn by drivers. The headwear reads brainwaves and warns motorists when they're about to fall asleep. They hope to have it ready for drivers in the next two or three years.
In the meantime, a federal plan suggests new rules that would include the use of a black box, similar to that used in airplanes, to track miles driven and rest stops made by long distance truck drivers. The number of hours and how the law is to be implemented is still being debated.
Technology is promising to make big rigs safer. As well as black boxes, on-board computers could be programmed to warn drivers of fatigue, drowsiness or approaching danger. Improvements to the way the big rigs handle and adjustments to brakes and trailers could also cut down on accidents.
But the problem of falling asleep at the wheel must be addressed, and soon. Too many lives have been lost, too much expense accumulated. We take our lives in our hands every time we pull onto the highway. Let's think safety, and, if you have trouble staying awake at the wheel, please don't drive. You could kill someone you love.
