A Morongo Basin driver crashed their vehicle on Highway 247 Monday (August 16) after falling asleep at the wheel. According to Sheriff’s reports, Deputies responded to the intersection of Highway 247 and San Juan Road around 5:45 a.m. for a report of a traffic collision. Arriving deputies determined the unidentified male driver had crashed when they fell asleep at the wheel. The driver was transported to Hi-Desert Medical Center for treatment of his injuries. The National Highway Safety Administration reports that nearly 700 people were killed in 2019 due to drowsy driving. Reporter Ernest Figueroa has tips on how to avoid driving drowsy…
To avoid driving drowsy, the NHSA recommends first and foremost prioritizing adequate sleep on a daily basis; avoid drinking any alcohol before driving, as alcohol increase drowsiness and impairment; check your prescriptions and over-the-counter medications for drowsiness as a side effect; and if you must drive during the peak sleepiness periods, stay vigilant for signs of drowsiness, especially if you’re driving alone. If you feel yourself falling asleep, reach for a caffeinated beverage such as coffee, or pull over for a short nap in a safe place, such as a lighted, designated rest stop. More information on avoiding drowsy driving is available at the link below.
