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By Dorcas Elusogbon
Prof. John Okeniyi, Chief Medical Director, Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospital Complex (OAUTHC), has warned motorists against driving when drowsy.
Okeniyi gave the warning at a symposium organised to mark “World Sleep Day”, on Friday in Ile-Ife, describing it as a serious risk capable of causing fatal accidents.
“The day is set aside to promote the importance of healthy sleep and highlight sleep-related issues affecting people,” he said.
Okeniyi advised individuals, especially those engaged in shift duties, to familiarise themselves with their physiology, and rest properly when off duty.
Also, the Head of Neurology Department, Prof. Morenikeji Komolafe, urged everyone to prioritise sleep in order to nourish their health.
According to her, sleeping well leads to living well, which many deny themselves and therefore have lost their lives.
Also, The Unit Commander of the Federal Road Safety Corps, Ife Unit Command, ACC Pius Ogunniyi, commended the organisers of the programme, and cautioned motorists against driving when mentally stressed or physically tired.
Ogunniyi urged motorists to have enough rest before embarking on any journey.
Other speakers at the event were: Prof. Mosaku Kolawole, Consultant Psychiatrist; Dr Olorunmoteni Oluwatosin, Consultant Paediatric Neurologist and Dr Eke Uchenna, Consultant Neurologist, OAUTHC, Ile-Ife.
They delivered lectures on Driving: Dangers, Causes and Consequences; Case Presentation, Pattern and Perception of Sleep among Commercial Drivers in Ile-Ife; and Drowsy Driving: Dangers and Consequences.
Prof. Kolawole said that driving when drowsy occurs when motorists operate vehicles while fatigued or sleep-deprived, a condition that reduces alertness, concentration and reaction time.
According to him, fatigue behind the wheel can impair judgment and coordination, thereby increasing the likelihood of road crashes.
Kolawole, therefore, tasked motorists to ensure that they have enough sleep to prevent accidents.
Also, Dr Oluwatosin said that majority of drivers do not have enough rest, especially commercial drivers who travel interstate routes and those that take night journeys.
According to her, the pressure of payment on vehicles procured by hire purchase often leads to commercial drivers not taking enough rest.
Speaking in the same vein, Dr Uchenna identified some of the major causes of drowsiness when driving to include lack of adequate sleep, long working hours, operating night shifts, sleep disorders and prolonged driving without rest.
Uchenna added that alcohol intake and the use of certain medications could also cause drowsiness and these factors contribute to fatigue while driving.
“The consequences of drowsiness on the wheels are severe as it may result in road accidents, injuries, loss of lives and damage to property, which could also lead to financial losses through medical bills, vehicle repairs and reduced productivity,” he said.
The neurologist, therefore advised motorists to get enough sleep before embarking on journeys, take regular breaks during long trips and avoid driving when feeling tired.
He also urged road safety authorities to intensify public awareness campaigns on the dangers associated with fatigue while driving.
Those in attendance were: FRSC, FRSC Marshal, National Union of Road Transport Workers, principal officials, nurses, doctors and motorists. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Augusta Uchediunor/Bayo Sekoni
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