Prof. John Okeniyi, the Chief Medical Director(CMD), Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospital Complex (OAUTHC), has warned motorists against drowsy driving, describing it as a serious road safety risk capable of causing fatal accidents.
Okeniyi gave the warning during the symposium organised by OAUTHC to mark "World Sleep Day", at Hospital Mimi Auditorium, on Friday in Ile-Ife.
The CMD said that the day is set aside to promote the importance of healthy sleep and highlight sleep-related issues affecting people, urged individuals to understand themselves, especially civil servants with shifting duties, to use their off-duty time to rest.
The Head of Department, Prof. Morenikeji Komolafe, admonished everyone to prioritise sleep for their health, for sleeping well leads to living well, which many denied and lost their lives.
Also, the Federal Road Safety Corps, Ife Unit Command, Acc.Pius Ogunniyi commended the organisers of the programme, warned motorists against sleeping while driving, and urged them to have enough rest before driving.
These guest lecturers are: Prof. Mosaku Kolawole, Consultant Psychiatrist; Dr. Olorunmoteni Oluwatosin, Consultant Pediatric Neurologist and Dr. Eke Uchenna, Consultant Neurologist, OAUTHC, Ile-Ife.
They delivered lectures on: "Driving: Dangers, Causes and Consequences, Case Presentation; Pattern & Perception of Sleep among Commercial Drivers in Ile-Ife and Drowsy Driving: 'Dangers & Consequences', respectively.
Prof. Kolawole emphasised that drowsy driving 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, and he urged them to ensure that they have enough sleep to prevent accidents.
Dr Oluwatosin noted that the majority of drivers do not have enough rest, especially those who have midnight journeys interstate travelling, simply because of the constant purchasing of higher-priced e vehicles.
She observed that drivers with financial pressure, family responsibilities, who are sleepy may experience slower reaction to traffic situations, lane drifting, poor decision-making and in extreme cases, fall asleep while driving.
While Dr Uchenna identified some of the major causes of drowsy driving, including: lack of adequate sleep, long working hours, night shifts, sleep disorders and prolonged driving without rest.
Uchenna added that alcohol intake and the use of certain medications that cause drowsiness are factors that could contribute to fatigue while driving.
According to him, the consequences of drowsy driving are severe and 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.
The expert, 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, NURTW, Principal officials, Nurses, Doctors, among other motorists.
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