Samenvatting
The attribution of accidents to drivers falling asleep at the wheel is discussed. The phenomenon is more prevalent on motorways and rural roads. Categorising such accidents by driver age and time of day is discussed. Most drivers involved in such accidents deny having fallen asleep because they have no recollection of doing so, although they may have felt sleepy before the accident. Some drivers may fight off sleep and reach a state where they are asleep with their eyes open. Practical countermeasures include ceasing to drive as soon as possible, taking a nap of up to 20 minutes or drinking caffeine. Exercise was not clearly beneficial.