Whether you are driving on a back road or a major highway, you may encounter someone who is swerving back and forth as he or she continues along.
One common cause of vehicle accidents is drowsy driving, and knowing more about the signs can help you while on the road.
Distracted facial expressions
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, if you notice a person near you continually blinking or even closing his or her eyes for a long period of time while driving, then you may be dealing with drowsy driving. Even a few lost hours of sleep can greatly affect concentration.
A driver may doze off for a period of a few seconds but not entirely fall asleep. However, in those few seconds, he or she may swerve into oncoming traffic or hit another vehicle.
Uneven driving speeds
If you notice a vehicle speeding up or slowing down without any warning or signal, then that driver may have issues with drowsiness. This kind of erratic swerving and stopping can happen when a person is falling deeper into sleep.
You may even notice the car speed up and hit your back bumper without warning. Additionally, a person who is driving while drowsy may miss his or her exit if you are all driving on a highway, which can cause this person to panic.
Drooping head
If you notice a driver’s head bob up and down instead of look straight ahead, this person may be struggling to stay awake.
Drivers may rub their eyes or shake their heads to stay focused, but drowsiness can still overtake them on a quiet or long road. Noticing the signs of drowsy driving is important for you and for others.