This blog may help people explore some of the 'hidden' issues involved in certain media treatments of environmental and scientific issues. Using personal digital images, it's also intended to emphasise seasonal (and other) changes in natural history of the Swansea (South Wales) area. The material should help participants in field-based modules and people generally interested in the natural world. The views are wholly those of the author.
Monday, 8 May 2023
Crashing Out?
The three major causes of car accidents are said to be drink-driving, speeding and driving with too little sleep. Obviously, tests can currently be done for the first two. Research, funded by the Australian Government Office of Road Safety, is now looking for a blood test for accidents, caused by driving with less than 5 hours of sleep. This may eventually have a big impact, as 50% of UK drivers admit to driving with less than 5 hours of sleep. Others probably lie (https://www.theguardian.com/science/2023/may/08/blood-test-for-sleepy-drivers-could-pave-way-for-prosecutions). Five 'biomarkers' are currently being assessed, for their ability to confirm that a driver has had too little sleep. The 'biomarkers are chemicals, produced in different parts of the body. Blood tests are, of course, more invasive than using a breathalyzer. People, consequently, won't be able to self-test before driving. People's quality of sleep varies greatly. Will this mean that insomniacs will be banned from driving?
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