By Dorcas Elusogbon
Prof. John Okeniyi, Chief Medical Director (CMD) of the Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospitals 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 drowsy driving 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.
The CMD advised individuals, especially those engaged in shift duties, to familiarise themselves with their body physiology and ensure adequate rest when off duty.
Also speaking, the Head of the Neurology Department, Prof. Morenikeji Komolafe, urged everyone to prioritise sleep in order to maintain good health.
According to her, sleeping well promotes overall wellbeing, adding that many people deny themselves adequate sleep and consequently put their lives at risk.
The Unit Commander of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Ife Unit Command, ACC Pius Ogunniyi, commended the organisers of the programme and cautioned motorists against driving when mentally stressed or physically exhausted.
Ogunniyi urged motorists to have enough rest before embarking on any journey.
Other speakers at the event included Prof. Mosaku Kolawole, Consultant Psychiatrist; Dr Olorunmoteni Oluwatosin, Consultant Paediatric Neurologist; and Dr Eke Uchenna, Consultant Neurologist at 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”.
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 urged motorists to ensure they get enough sleep to prevent accidents.
Also speaking, Dr Oluwatosin said that many drivers, especially commercial drivers on interstate routes and night journeys, often do not get adequate rest.
According to her, the pressure of repaying vehicles procured through hire purchase arrangements often compels commercial drivers to work longer hours without sufficient rest.
In the same vein, Dr Uchenna identified major causes of drowsiness while driving to include inadequate sleep, long working hours, night shifts, sleep disorders and prolonged driving without rest.
He added that alcohol consumption and the use of certain medications could also cause drowsiness, thereby contributing to fatigue while driving.
“The consequences of drowsy driving are severe and may result in road crashes, injuries, loss of lives and damage to property,” he said.
According to him, such accidents can also lead to financial losses through medical bills, vehicle repairs and reduced productivity.
Uchenna 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 included personnel of the FRSC, members of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), as well as nurses, doctors and motorists. (NAN)
Edited by Augusta Uchediunor/Bayo Sekoni
