Asleep at the wheel? Published Dec. 22, 2011 By Staff Sgt. Kyle Rowe 319th Air Base Wing Safety Office GRAND FORKS AIR FORCE BASE, N.D. -- Holidays are great fun and a time to get away from it all and unwind. So here we are, setting out on our vacation in the wee hours of the morning since we have a 12-hour drive ahead of us. Imagine that first the morning passes, then lunchtime, and we are still driving in order to arrive at our destination on time. Before we know it, it is 3 p.m. and we are still on the road in this scenario. We're getting tired, but we press on because we're close to our destination. Suddenly and unexpectedly, we arrive at a deceptive bend in the highway, but we are traveling too fast to take the corner. We spin out of control and slam into an oncoming car. Sadly, the crash is fatal, killing three in our car and two in the other vehicle. So, what do you think may have caused this accident to happen? It was driver fatigue, an increasing problem during the holidays. Fatigue caused our reactions to slow down so that we were unable to judge the corner properly. A fatigued driver's reaction times are similar to an intoxicated driver. We were drunk with tiredness. What could we have done to prevent this fatal accident happening so close to our destination? The preparation starts before we get into the driver's seat back at home. Here are a few tips: · Get a good night's rest the night before departing to ensure a safe, refreshed start the next day · Review your map the night prior to leaving; pre-plan stops to ensure the driver gets small breaks along the way. A 5-minute break can mean the difference between life and death · Take a rest stop at least every two hours, it will refresh reaction senses · Eat light refreshments; food can sustain your energy levels while driving · Listening to the radio (as long as it's not too loud) and talking to others (not to the point of distraction) is also a good way to stay alert Maybe all we need is to be humble and accept that we may be tired and need to pull over for a short rest. The passengers shouldn't be too worried after you explain it is done to save their lives. This season, commit to safety and make your vacation a healthy and happy one by applying careful traveling habits! And remember - safety never takes a holiday!