The California Highway Patrol has partnered with the National Sleep Foundation in recognition of Drowsy Driving Prevention Week (November 7-13). The CDC reports that people who have been awake for at least 18 hours may behave as someone impaired by alcohol. On average, in California there are more than 6,000 crashes annually that are attributed to drowsy driving and nationally, 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 below.
https://www.nhtsa.gov/risky-driving/drowsy-driving
If you feel fatigued while driving on California’s roadways, motorists are encouraged to take advantage of the more than 80 safety roadside rest areas maintained by the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) throughout the state. To find a rest area or to check for the latest travel information on state highways, visit Caltrans’ QuickMap at http://quickmap.dot.ca.gov/.
