Power Napping: An Overlook Tool for Preventing Auto Accidents in Charlotte?
How many serious accidents in Charlotte could be prevented, if drivers, pedestrians, and truckers all napped more?
Silly question? Perhaps.
We like to explore the theme of auto accident prevention often on this blog, since it’s such a critical one. Many law blogs often serve as little more than thinly veiled self-promotional tools or as a “poor man’s” AP or CNN. But we at DeMayo Law believe deeply in the value of educating people–prospects and non-prospects alike–about better road safety. This passion to make the roads safer is a deeply held value. Consider, for instance, the DeMayo “Arrive Alive” program, which strives to reduce DUI driving and accidents in our community.
During our ongoing discussion, we try to go deeper than the typical “auto safety 101” type articles that have proliferated online. You already, undoubtedly, know to avoid using your cell phone while you drive, to pay attention to the road, to get your car tuned up, etc., etc.
But you might benefit from thinking about safe driving in new contexts.
For instance, consider the lowly “power nap.” Could it be an untapped tool to help us all become safer drivers? Statistics show that a significant percentage of North Carolina population does not get enough good sleep. And studies link sleep deprivation with all sorts of endocrinological problems, stress, etc. Of course, it’s difficult to know what causes what in this relationship. Does the lack of sleep cause or exacerbate the medical conditions? Or do these medical conditions cause insomnia?
It’s not easy to parse without digressing into a long discussion of scientific literature. But at least some compelling research supports this concept of “power napping”–that is, taking a 20 to 30 minute siesta in the middle of the day.
If napping can help improve attention span, reduce stress, improve blood sugar, reduce medical problems like obesity and diabetes, etc. … then just imagine what would happen if the entire state of North Carolina adopted a “nap 20 minutes a day” outreach program or something like that. If ubiquitous power napping had positive effects, than this outreach could have a real and positive impact not just on our health, but also on road accident statistics.
Even though we may not reach “siesta utopia” any time soon, consider starting your own daily napping practice. You might find that your energy levels improve and that you become a safer driver.
For help dealing with the aftermath of your recent car crash in North Carolina, get in touch with the DeMayo Law team today for an insightful, thorough, and confidential free consultation. Call us at 1.877.529.1222.
