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 | Drowsy/Inattentive Driving | Drowsy and/or inattentive driving is contributing to vehicle accidents and deaths at a growing and very alarming rate. This page contains information and safty tips to help to minimize the needless loss of property and life that occurs all too often as a result of drowsey and inattentive driving. |
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Drowsy/Inattentive Driving and Links
Drowsy and/or inattentive driving is contributing to vehicle accidents and deaths at a growing and very alarming rate. Sadly, this is a tragedy that can be avoided, unlike so many others which cannot. So, why so many accidents? The reasons are numerous, but the bigger question is? "Why don't people pull over and rest when they get tired?" Also, when we need to talk on our cell phones, it's much safer to pull over and talk, yet we choose to drive for miles on end while engaging in conversations that distract us from safely operating a motor vehicle. Jenny's tragic death did not need to take place ... the driver of the vehicle she was riding in drove for nearly an hour on the verge of falling asleep before the accident took place. We will do all that we can as individuals and as a foundation to keep the message in the public eye, and to minimize the needless loss of property and life that occurs all too often as a result of carelessness. Information from the National Safety Council
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Drowsy DrivingJust like drugs or alcohol, sleepiness slows reaction time, decreases awareness, and impairs judgment. Just like drugs or alcohol, it can be fatal when driving.
• Death rates based on mileage were 2.5 times higher at night than during the day in 2002.
• 37% of drivers surveyed by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration admitted to falling asleep at the wheel at some point in their driving career.
– 8% admitted doing so in the past six months.
– 60% admitted falling asleep while driving on an interstate-type highway with posted speeds of 55 MPH or higher.
The drivers at highest risk are: third shift workers, people that drive a substantial number of miles each day, those with unrecognized sleep disorders, and those prescribed medication with sedatives. |
100,000 accidents annually - 1,550 deaths |
Safety Tips• Maintain a regular sleep schedule that allows adequate rest.
• Learn to recognize the symptoms of fatigue:
– Eyes closing or going out of focus
– Persistent yawning
– Irritability, restlessness, and impatience
– Wandering or disconnected thoughts
– Inability to remember driving the last few miles
– Drifting between lanes or onto shoulder
• When the signs of fatigue begin to show, get off the road. Take a short nap in a well-lit area. Do not simply stop on the side of the road.
• When planning long trips:
– Share driving responsibilities with a companion.
– Begin the trip early in the day.
– Stop every 100 miles or 2 hours to get out of the car and walk around; exercise helps to combat fatigue.
• Avoid driving between 12 a.m. and 6 a.m. |
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