It’s the time of year when people are thinking about taking to the road to reach their holiday celebration destinations. In order to bring awareness to the dangers associated with drowsy driving, the National Sleep Foundation has declared November 1st – 8th, 2015 to be “Drowsy Driving Prevention Week®”. By offering sleep-related safe driving tips, the National Sleep Foundation hopes to help reduce the number of fatigue-related crashes that result in injury or even death.
Here are some facts that the NSF wants you to know about drowsy driving…
- Drivers ages 18 to 29 are the most likely age group to drive while drowsy.
- More men (56%) drive while drowsy than do women (45%).
- The risk of being in a sleep-related crash is increased when you are deprived of sleep; sleep more, drive better.
- There is a tendency for people to fall asleep while traveling on high speed, long, or rural highways.
Here are some of the NSF’s tips for preventing drowsy driving…
- Get seven to nine hours of sleep before you drive.
- Do not drive if you have been awake for 24 or more hours.
- Eat or drink something that contains caffeine.
- When you start to feel drowsy, stop at a safe Rest Area or place of lodging, and take a nap.
For more information about drowsy driving and “Drowsy Driving Prevention Week”, visit www.sleepfoundation.org/drowsy-driving .
