What are the risks of driving after falling asleep at the wheel?

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Driving after falling asleep at the wheel poses significant risks, leading to loss of vehicle control and potentially severe accidents.

A 53-year-old man in Melaka survived a 30-metre fall from the Syed Abdul Aziz flyover after he reportedly fell asleep at the wheel of his Perodua Myvi. The incident, which occurred at 5:30 am as the man was en route to Limbongan, resulted in his car skidding and crashing through a guardrail before plunging off the flyover. He sustained bodily injuries and was subsequently admitted to Melaka Hospital for treatment.
Loss of Vehicle Control

When a driver falls asleep, even momentarily, their ability to steer, brake, or react to sudden changes in traffic conditions is completely compromised. This lapse in consciousness directly leads to a loss of vehicle control, as demonstrated by the Perodua Myvi skidding and impacting the guardrail before its descent. Such uncontrolled movement significantly increases the likelihood of collision with other vehicles, roadside objects, or infrastructure.
Increased Likelihood of Severe Accidents

Drowsy driving is a major contributing factor to traffic accidents, and falling asleep at the wheel represents an extreme form of this impairment. The inability to maintain a consistent path or speed, coupled with the sudden jolt of awakening or the impact of a crash, can result in accidents with severe consequences. These can range from serious bodily injuries, as in the Melaka case, to fatalities, especially when the vehicle is travelling at higher speeds or the fall is from a considerable height.
Potential for Serious Bodily Injury

The impact forces involved in a crash following a loss of control can be substantial, leading to significant physical harm. In scenarios involving falls from elevated structures like the Syed Abdul Aziz flyover, the risk of severe trauma is amplified. The victim in this incident sustained bodily injuries, underscoring the direct physical danger posed by such events, with the severity of injury often correlating with the height of the fall and the nature of the impact upon landing.

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What are the risks of driving after falling asleep at the wheel?

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