Have you ever wondered why you see and hear about so many car accidents in the Lake Charles area that happen in the morning during your commute? One reason involves third shift workers. People who work the late evening and midnight shifts often leave their jobs feeling drowsy. According to Medical Daily, nightshift workers tend to suffer from sleep impairment and are more likely to crash their vehicles than day shift workers.
Numerous studies show how dangerous drowsy driving can be. The drowsier the driver, the greater the risk of collision. Sleepy motorists are not fully alert to their surroundings. They cannot avoid potential hazards if they are not aware enough to take measures to avoid them. Sleep impairment also makes it harder for them to make the right decisions when driving. Their driving skills mimic the abilities of intoxicated motorists and the results are often just as deadly. Forbes states that drowsy driving caused more than 5,000 motor vehicle fatalities in 2015.
There are many reasons why people work the third shift. The draw of higher pay, more time with family and scheduling concerns are the most common factors. It is not necessary for them to alter their work schedules to reduce their risk of car accidents. In many cases that is not possible. However, they can pay better attention to how they feel before they leave their jobs. By implementing a better sleep routine/schedule, improving their diet and taking measures to ensure they are fully alert before driving they can reduce the number of drowsy accidents that occur.