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Show WEDNESDAY, MARCH 7, 2001 THE DAILY UTAH CHRONICLE Emotional Health o Intellectual Health body mind spirit Physical Health Social Health FOR STUDENTS STUDENTS BY Spiritual Health I! .K. W f -- i f . i f ft hi 9 A Long trips... driving all night... young guys at the wheel... not much slee- p- it sounds like spring break has all the ingredients of a recipe for disaster! As much as you're ver behind the wheel - and keep everyone the car from becoming a statistic. counting on the adrenaline rush to keep you going, it won't keep you awake. We know that sleep happens, but can to you? it happen Some drivers ignore the early warning signs and keep going. Here are signs that it may be too late: that there are outwardly visible signs that a driver is about to go to sleep? In fact, someone looking for these signs is a better judge of the driver's sleepiness than the driver is. If you notice two or more of the following early warning signs, change drivers: Missing road signs or exits Swerving for no apparent reason Did you know Running over rumble strips Driver mentions one of the following: Lowering temperatures and blasting fan Frequent and intense yawning Drooping eyelids Rolling neck and shoulders Restless moving about in seat If you see any of these signs of fatigue, do something. Pull over, or ask the driver to let someone else take the wheel, immediately. We know it's hard to force the issue, but isn't it better than landing in a ditch? You're already sharing the ride, why not share the wheel? For more information about Student Health Service, SHAC, or Head loToe contact Head to Toe Edited by: Todd Hofeling & Alicia Bremness S8S-S29- IS Student Htllh Alviory Comnviute in The OWNER: Make sure everyone knows the signs of a driver fighting sleep. Discuss a rotation plan before the trip starts, so everyone is clear about when they will change drivers. The DRIVER: Keep the signs of fighting sleep in mind. If you catch yourself doing something as simple as rolling down the window for "fresh air" in the middle of the night, change drivers. Seeing things in the road that aren't there Wandering or disconnected thoughts Can't remember the last few miles Cranking up stereo volume Rolling down windows simple rotation between the driver, the shotgun and the passenger will keep an alert dri- The SHOTGUN: Help the driver stay awake, and watch for the early warning signs of sleep. If you notice any signs, convince the driver to pull over and switch. The PASSENGER: Get some sleep. A nap as short as 15-2- 0 minutes is often enough to refresh someone who is tired. The ROTATION: Let the sleepy driver move to the back to get some sleep, and have the shotgun take over the wheel. The passenger in the back who has been sleeping can then move up to shotgun. Funded in part by the University of Utah Publicationi Designed by Amber Lee Smith Council 11 |