I fell asleep at the wheel last December. The accident could have ended everything, but it left me with lessons I can’t ignore.

Drowsy driving is often underestimated, but it’s as dangerous as drunk driving. The brain doesn’t ask for permission when it shuts down. A second of unconsciousness behind the wheel is enough to ruin lives.

The scary part? I thought I was fine. A little coffee, some loud music, a/c blasting on my face, a few face slaps here and there, I told myself I could push through. I was wrong. None of those tricks worked.

Since then, I’ve made changes. I don’t drive long distances after heavy workdays. I plan rest breaks. And if drowsiness creeps in, I pull over. Rest isn’t indulgence, it’s survival.

Here’s the truth: driving tired isn’t just your risk. It’s everyone else’s. Every vehicle around you carries a world – families, stories, people waiting at home. When you fight sleep at the wheel, you’re gambling with more than your own life.

That night scarred me, but it also gave me a voice to remind others. Don’t treat sleep like an optional luxury. Treat it like a seatbelt: non-negotiable if you want to make it home.