I now stop at the nearest roadside rest while driving when I feel drowsiness coming, or if I am excessively tired. Taking a short snooze (with locked doors for safety) is better than trying to push yourself and getting involved (or causing) an accident.
In 2004, I was involved in a 4 car accident because I was driving when too tired. While I didn't cause the accident, I didn't react fast enough during the work traffic jam, and totaled my car, even though I was only driving at 32 miles per hour at the time! My airbags did NOT inflate, supposedly because I wasn't driving fast enough to set them off on impact with the car ahead of me.
I was lucky and only had a broken wrist and some nasty bruises across my chest from the seat belt holding me in place because I WAS wearing my seat belt (as I always do when I get in a car, even as a passenger).
ALWAYS HEED THE WARNINGS WHEN YOU ARE TIRED - STOP DRIVING ASAP
Thanks so very much for your post.
I think we have all been there at least once - pushing ourselves to stay awake while behind the steering wheel!
This is great advice and important to remember the safety of yourself and others while out on the road.
Read up on Fatigue symptoms as well as the basics in Understanding Your Sleep Disorder.
All the best and safe driving out there!
SMM