Awareness is the message of Drowsy Driving Prevention Week

Posted 11/8/18

Drowsy driving is impaired driving. What was once called a silent killer now receives more attention as a factor in vehicle crashes than ever before, according to AAA Northeast. This week is Drowsy Driving Prevention Week. The difficulty in detecting

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Awareness is the message of Drowsy Driving Prevention Week

Posted

Drowsy driving is impaired driving. What was once called a silent killer now receives more attention as a factor in vehicle crashes than ever before, according to AAA Northeast. This week is Drowsy Driving Prevention Week.

The difficulty in detecting drowsiness following a crash makes drowsy driving one of the most underreported traffic safety issues. According to the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety:

Drowsy drivers are involved in an estimated 21 percent of fatal crashes, up from 16.5 percent back in 2010.

Thirty-seven percent of drivers report having fallen asleep behind the wheel at some point in their lives.

An estimated 328,000 crashes each year nationwide involve a drowsy driver; 109,000 of those crashes involve serious injury and about 6,400 are fatal.

More than half of drowsy driving crashes involve drivers drifting out of their lanes or off the road.

With clocks rolled back and darkness arriving earlier this week, law enforcement historically reports an increase in the number of crashes. And with college applications due, exams looming and sports practices in full swing, teenagers are identified as the most sleep-deprived segment of the population, logging an average of 6.5 hours of sleep each night, when their bodies actually require more than nine hours.

“This week – Drowsy Driving Prevention Week – is a great time for parents to talk with their teen drivers about the dangers of falling asleep at the wheel,” said Lloyd Albert, AAA Northeast Senior Vice President of Public and Government Affairs. “As parents, we worry about a host of impairments that can endanger our kids – everything from drunk driving to cell phone use to texting. Drowsy driving is equally dangerous, especially for tired teens.”

AAA reminds parents to watch for signs of fatigue in themselves and in their young drivers. And remember the following tips:

Don’t drive when you’re sleepy.

If you feel drowsy, try to pull over immediately, park in a safe place, and nap for 20 minutes.

Travel with an alert passenger who can relieve you at the wheel if you feel tired.

Coffee, energy drinks, driving with windows open and radio blasting are not sleep substitutes.

Schedule a break every two hours or 100 miles.

Travel at times when you are normally awake. Sleeping less than six hours increases your risk of falling asleep at the wheel. Sleeping less than four hours is extremely dangerous.

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  • Justanidiot

    zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz

    hmnmm what was that article about?

    i shouldn't drive and surf the web while I am tired.

    Friday, November 9, 2018 Report this