Do ALWAYS wear your seat belt when you go driving? Have you ever fell asleep at the wheel?

Answer 1

Yes, it has become second nature to me, I put the belt on even when backing out of the garage, its so automatic I don't think about it.
No I never fell asleep behind the wheel, if I get tired I pull over or go for coffee or something to eat or just to stretch my legs and get the blood flowing.

Answer 2

I don't even put the car in gear until my seat belt is fastened. I don't even have to think about is; it's a habit, like using turn signals, looking over my shoulder to change lanes, and looking both ways when approaching an intersection.

I used to have problems with nodding off while driving over long distances. I tried lots of solutions, with mixed results. I had myself checke out and learned that I had a condition called "sleep apnea." The upshot was that, no matter how long I slept, the night before, I was not getting enough of the deep sleep the body needs, and I would get tired and sleepy during the day. I've taken treatment for the condition and I no longer have the problem.

As part of a previous job as a driver trainer, I did a LOT of research on automotive safety, including work done on sleep deprivation and how it affected drivers. Have you ever found yourself momentarily startled to realize that you almost fell asleep while driving? The fact is, when that happens, you actually DID fall asleep. (it is precisely what "jet doc" describes in his answer!) It may have only been for a second or so, but, for that period, you were unconscious. At 60 or 70 miles per hour, that equates to a heluva lot of road distance with no one at the wheel!

A sleep deprived driver is just as impaired as a drunk driver. Same symptoms, same reactions, same lack of driving skill and judgement.

Answer 3

I always wear a seat belt and I've thankfully have never fallen asleep behind the wheel

Answer 4

Yeah I have always worn a seat belt ever since I got pulled over at 16 for not wearing one. And yes I have fallen asleep multiple times at the wheel. And let me tell you, its the scariest thing.

Answer 5

I've always buckled up whenever I've gotten in a car. It's the first thing I do. I haven't fallen asleep behind the wheel since I do not drive. I have fallen asleep in the car though.

Answer 6

I buckle up out of habit so a seatbelt is always on.

I have never fallen asleep at the wheel. In fact, when I get behind the wheel I'm wide awake.

Answer 7

i always wear a seat belt but if u fell asleep on the wheel u must have got a license from a ceral box unless its 3 am

Answer 8

Yes to both questions. I have worn seatbelts since they were first installed in cars in the late 1950's -- my father insisted after a seat belt saved his life in an accident back when they were not required in cars.

I was driving south on I-5 with my children in the car and it was about 3 AM when all of a sudden I felt the bumps of the lane dividers hitting the tires. It scared me so badly I pulled over at the next rest stop and slept for several hours. I learned a lesson that day and luckily no one was injured. I never drive when I am tired now. It still makes me shake to think I could have killed one or all of my kids. I would never be able to forgive myself -- risking their lives for a few minutes time.

Answer 9

yes and yes. i was in a car accident 3 days after i got my license in 1988. years of therapy and back problems that still exist, i ALWAYS wear a seat belt. i was also an over-the-road truck driver for many years, and yes, i caught myself sleeping at the wheel while driving once or twice. scary as hell, better than coffee.

Answer 10

While I don't ever remember falling asleep behind the wheel, I do recall blinking my eyes once, and having the road move in front of me.