Drowsy Driving

Drowsy Driving is a major problem in the United States. Falling asleep at the wheel is clearly dangerous, but being sleepy affects your ability to drive safely even if you don't fall asleep.

Drowsiness-

• Makes drivers less able to pay attention to the road
• Slows reaction time if you have to brake or steer suddenly.
• Affects a driver's ability to make good decisions.

The AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety estimates that drowsy driving causes an average of 328,000 crashes annually in the U.S., including 6,400 fatal crashes. Young drivers between the ages of 16 and 24 years are most at risk of getting into an accident while driving drowsy, and males have a higher risk than females.

Previous research by the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety has estimated as many as 7% of all crashes, 13% of crashes that result in hospital admission, and 21% of fatal crashes involve driver drowsiness.

Common Causes of Drowsy Driving

Learn the Warning Signs of Drowsy Driving

If you experience any of these warning signs, PULL OVER TO REST OR CHANGE DRIVERS. Simply turning up the raio or opening the window are not effective ways to keep you alert

• Yawning or blinking frequently.
• Difficulty remembering the past few miles driven.
• Missing your exit.
• Drifting from your lane.
• Hitting a rumble strip on the side of the road.

Prevent Drowsy Driving Before Taking the Wheel.

There are a few things you should do before taking the wheel to prevent driving while drowsy.