March 05, 2008

Do you know someone who drives and works more than one job, clocks in more than 60 hours a week or works on rotating shifts?  Chances are they have driven when they were drowsy or sleep-deprived.

“Drivers who fall asleep at the wheel are a danger to everyone on the road,” said County Executive Andy Spano.  “Most people know about the dangers of drinking and driving but dozing off behind the wheel can also kill you.” 

To promote greater awareness, Spano announced that this week would be observed as “Drowsy Driving Awareness Week” in Westchester County.

Drowsiness is a major factor in approximately four percent of fatal motor vehicle crashes, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.  Studies indicate that late nights and long drives are closely associated with the risk of having a drowsy driving crash.  This puts teens and truck drivers in major at-risk groups. 

The Traffic Safety Board of the Westchester County Department of Public Works offers the following counter measures to fight driver fatigue:

• Avoid staying up late the night before a long drive.  It is important to get a good night’s sleep to be an alert driver. While this varies from individual to individual, the average person requires about 8 hours of sleep a night.
• Share the driving. Switch drivers every 100 miles or 2 hours if you’re traveling with companions.
• Take regular breaks.  Stop every couple of hours to take a break.
• Avoid alcohol and other medications, as they will impair driving performance.  Always wear your seat belt.
• Turn down the heater. A cooler temperature in your car or truck will help to keep you refreshed.
• Tune in to your “body clock.” It’s time to stop and rest if your body shows signs of fatigue.  Watch for danger signs such as, yawning repeatedly, not focusing, difficulty keeping eyes open, thoughts becoming disconnected, or driving that becoming sloppy. Sloppy driving is defined as drifting between lanes, tailgating, and missing traffic signals. Drivers should respond to these symptoms of fatigue by finding a safe place to stop and rest. Try to take a brief nap for 20 to 40 minutes.
• Drink coffee to promote short-term alertness if needed.
• Motorists should be warned that, when rumble strips awaken them – deep grooves placed on the shoulder of roads to alert drivers that they have veered off the road – they are still drowsy.  Drivers should pull off the road at a safe place to rest.

For further information on drowsy driving, visit the Westchester County Traffic Safety Office or call (914) 995-2555.