We’ve all seen the Public Service Announcements about the dangers of drinking and driving or texting and driving. But how often have we seen a PSA on driving while tired? Drowsy driving is the cause of 20 percent of all motor-vehicle crashes each year, according to the National Sleep Foundation (NSF). In this country, more than 6,400 deaths and 50,000 serious injuries come from drowsy drivers.
The main goal of the Drowsy Driving Prevention Week campaign is to reduce the number of drivers who chose to drive while sleep-deprived, raising awareness of the dangers of driving while sleep-deprived.
Signs you are too tired to drive
- Frequent yawning and rubbing your eyes.
- Can’t remember the last few miles driven.
- Having difficulty holding your head up, or nodding off.
- Missing traffic signs or your exit.
- Coasting into the rumble strips or drifting in and out of your lane.
Impact of Drowsiness on Driving
- Driving while drowsy is equivalent to driving under the influence of alcohol.
Causes drivers to be less able to pay attention to the road.- Slows reaction time, especially if you have to brake or steer suddenly.
- Has an impact on a driver’s ability to make the right decisions.
We encourage you to remember that there are perils to driving while sleep-deprived. If you find yourself too drained, distracted, or drowsy, avoid driving. Look into ride share or public transportation options. Take the necessary steps to avoid being in a situation where you are drowsy behind the wheel.
