Filed under: Etc., Safety
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Wake-y, wake-y… hit the brake-y! This is the National Sleep Foundation’s Drowsy Driving Prevention Week, and the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety has completed a new survey with data indicating that one in seven drivers between 16 and 24 have admitted to falling asleep while behind the wheel at least once in the last year alone. That’s a lot more drowsy driving compared to only 1 in 10 of all drivers who said they nodded off while driving.
While most people surveyed said sleepy drivers are a threat to public safety, at least 30 percent also admit they have recently driven while being tired enough that they struggled to keep their eyes open.
“Unfortunately, most drivers underestimate the risks associated with drowsy driving and overestimate their ability to deal with it - that’s a dangerous combination,” says AAA Foundation President & CEO Peter Kissinger.
“Research shows that fatigue impairs safe driving, with many symptoms causing drivers to behave in ways similar to those who are intoxicated,” said AAA President & CEO Robert Darbelnet in the same press release.
Think you’re a better driver than those folks? The list of things that constitute drowsy driving include not noticing traffic signs, driving past your intended street/exit, difficulty keeping your eyes open, yawning frequently, lane drifting and daydreaming.
AAA has a few suggestions to help you stay awake. Get plenty sleep the night before a long trip, avoid traveling whey you usually sleep, take a break every two hours and travel with someone who can take a turn driving.
Read the press release below for more signs of drowsy driving and how to prevent it.Continue reading AAA: Young drivers more likely to drive drowsy
AAA: Young drivers more likely to drive drowsy originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 12 Nov 2012 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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