The California Highway Patrol kicked off “Drowsy Driving Prevention Week” Monday to bring conversation about the dangers of drowsy driving to the dinner table.
The law enforcement agency partnered with the state’s Transportation Agency and the Office of Traffic Safety to ask vehicle drivers to stay alert behind the wheel.
“Driving while drowsy or sleep-deprived can be a lethal combination,” said Russia Chavis, Acting Director of the Office of Traffic Safety.
“While most people are aware of the dangers of drunk or distracted driving, many don’t realize that sleepiness also slows reaction times, decreases awareness, impairs judgment and increases your risk of crashing, all similar to the effects of driving under the influence of alcohol.”
More than 1,600 people were fatally injured in crashes that involved fatigued vehicle drivers in 2011, according to preliminary data form CHP’s Traffic Records system.
CHP Commissioner Joe Farrow stressed how important it is to understand the dangers associated with driving while drowsy.
“Know the signs of fatigue and take the time to rest when you find yourself feeling drowsy,” Commissioner Farrow said. “We want everyone to arrive at their destination safely and remain alert while behind the wheel.”’
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- Difficulty focusing, frequent blinking, or heavy eyelids
- Difficulty keeping daydreams at bay
- Trouble keeping your head up
- Drifting from your lane, swerving, tailgating, and/or hitting rumble strips
- Inability to clearly remember the last few miles driven
- Missing exits or traffic signs
- Hitting highway rumble strips, the ridged edges to the road meant to jar drivers
- Yawning repeatedly
- Feeling restless, irritable, or aggressive
For more information about the CHP's drowsy driving campaign, visit the CHP's website.
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