We often speak of impairment in terms of substances, but sleep deprivation mimics the effects of alcohol with frightening accuracy. Being awake for 18 hours straight produces a level of cognitive impairment equivalent to a Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) of 0.05%. After 24 hours, it jumps to 0.10%, which is above the legal limit in most jurisdictions.
Drowsy driving leads to "microsleeps"—unintentional blinks that last four to five seconds. During a microsleep at highway speeds, a driver can travel the length of a football field while completely unconscious. Unlike a drunk driver who might swerve, a sleeping driver doesn't brake or steer away from a collision, making these accidents some of the most violent on the road. The most important tool for a long-haul driver isn't a cup of coffee; it is the humility to pull over at a Rest Area and acknowledge that the human brain has limits.
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