Monday, November 7, 2011

Be Alert: It’s Drowsy Driving Prevention Week

Nov. 6-12 is Drowsy Driving Prevention Week. Sponsored by National Sleep Foundation (NSF), the campaign provides public education about the underreported risks of driving while drowsy and countermeasures to improve safety on the road.

Recent data from AAA Foundation show that while 96% of Americans feel it is unacceptable for someone to drive when they are so sleepy they have trouble keeping their eyes, about one-third admitted doing so in the past 30 days. “People know that they shouldn’t text or drink when they drive, and that’s great,” says NSF’s David Cloud. "However, many don’t realize that driving while drowsy is also very dangerous. It’s vital for people to be able to assess when they’re too sleepy to drive safely.”

NSF offers a selection of tips for assessing drowsiness as well as suggestions for preventing fall-asleep crashes. Find that information here and additional resources here.