PEORIA- The issue of falling asleep while driving or while on the job has become top issue recently. After several air traffic controllers fell asleep while on duty.
At least 15 hundred people die in the US every year as a result of driving while tired.
The Illinois Neurological Institute held a presentation Friday, on the dangers of driving when you are sleep deprived. Ron Morelli from the 7th season of Biggest Loser talked about his struggle with sleep apnea.
Truck drivers, especially, have to be careful of driving while tired.
"The trucking industry has a lot of pressure to get to their destination and to get there productively and efficiently. And those hours, it's a 24-7 operation.There are work restrictions for truck drivers, but it is still very easy to get fatigued and not have had enough sleep." said Dr. Sarah Zallek, INI Sleep Center Med. Director.
According to the Department of Health: rolling down the window, turning up the radio and drinking caffeine are not effective ways to stay alert on the road. Doctors recommend pulling into a rest area and taking a nap.
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