Drowsy Driving Awareness Week 2016
Phoenix Capital Group supports drowsy driving awareness week (D.D.A.W.), a campaign backed by drowsydriving.org to educate drivers of all ages about the dangers of driving while tired. The National Sleep Foundation found that 60% of adult drivers (168 million adults) have admitted to driving when they were too tired to drive. Out of those 168 million people, 103 million people (37%) have admitted to falling asleep while driving. Even more shocking, 13% of those people admit to falling asleep at the wheel a minimum of once a month! Drowsy driving awareness week was created to prevent drivers from falling asleep at the wheel, but most importantly, it is to stop drivers who drive drowsy on a regular basis.
Although driving drowsy is not illegal, it is still as dangerous as driving under the influence. There is not a test, like a breathalyzer for a drunk driver, to warn a driver they are too drowsy to drive. Dangers of drowsy driving include major collisions, serious injury, and death. It is one thing to knowingly put your own life in danger by driving drowsy, but you are also putting the lives of those around you in serious danger.
Both drowsy driving and driving fatigue are very dangerous and should be avoided at all cost. To help prevent drowsy driving we suggest a few practices:
- Sleep well before you hit the road. Drivers should try to get 7-9 hours of rest the night before.
- Give yourself enough time to reach your destination. A rushed commute only decreases your alertness and puts you at risk.
- Use the buddy system on the road. Accountability is a good idea in any area of your life, especially while driving. Talking with a passenger can keep you awake and alert.
- Take breaks while you’re on the road! A break from driving every 100 miles, or every two hours is suggested.
- Avoid drinking too much alcohol the night before. Hangovers cause all kinds of negative effects to your body and mind.
- Avoid medications that cause drowsiness. It’s wise to read the label of your medications, or ask your doctor before taking the medication.
- If you start to feel drowsy on the road drink caffeine, turn up the radio, or take a break from driving.
Let the remainder of the year 2016, and the entire year of 2017 be the years we decrease drowsy driving related crashes, injuries, and deaths. We can improve our sleep, health, and safety by creating public awareness of drowsy driving.