Plan ahead, be rested - time is a changiin'

Oct. 28, 2014

For more information: Shelley M. Snow, ODOT Public Affairs, (503) 986-3438 or (503) 881-5362

  

Halloween on Friday and time change on Sunday call for travelers to rest up

 

SALEM — The last weekend in October this year is also the first weekend in November – and that means Halloween and the end of Daylight Savings Time occur just a day apart. For motorists, pedestrians, bicyclists, trick-or-treaters and party-goers, it brings extra importance to the idea of planning ahead for safety – and for sleep.

 

"Getting a good night's sleep is the best way to fend off drowsy driving," said Troy E. Costales, ODOT's Safety Division administrator. And getting several restful nights of sleep in a row is even better. That's why safety advocates encourage people to begin "re-setting" their body clocks on Friday for the Sunday morning change. Of course this year, Friday is Halloween, and that may make calling it an 'early night' a little difficult.

 

In Oregon over the last five years, 54 people died in crashes involving a drowsy driver; last year alone 10 people died and 832 were injured. Across the country, 28 percent of American drivers have admitted to falling asleep at the wheel, according to a National Sleep Foundation poll, and more than half (54 percent) said they have driven while drowsy. That's a risk that could be fatal.

 

In the Pacific Northwest, everyone will set their clocks back one hour sometime Sunday morning (officially, it occurs at 2 a.m.). While it may seem like people will get an extra hour of sleep, that's not always the case - any change in a sleeping pattern can cause tiredness.

 

Watch for signs of drowsiness, and respond. if you experience any of the following, it's time to get off the road:

• Problems focusing, blinking frequently and/or having heavy eyelids.
• Drifting from your lane, swerving, tailgating and/or hitting rumble strips.
• Trouble remembering the last few miles driven or missing exits or traffic signs.
• Trouble keeping your head up.
• Yawning repeatedly.
• Rolling down the windows or turning up the radio to "keep you awake."

 

Getting sleepy? Here's what to do

Find a safe place to pull over right away, such as a rest area or a store parking lot. Studies show a 15-20 minute nap can help restore alertness, enhance performance, and reduce mistakes and crashes. The National Sleep Foundation suggests drinking a caffeinated beverage, then taking a quick nap, and you'll get the benefits of both. Whatever you do, it's important to listen to your body and respond appropriately.

 

FIRST: Take steps to prevent drowsy driving

Here are some tips from the experts to prevent drowsy driving:

• Get a good night's sleep before heading out. Adequate sleep for most Americans means seven to nine hours.
• Going on a long drive? Use the buddy system – someone who is rested and awake for the journey and can take a turn behind the wheel or help identify the warning signs of fatigue.
• If your trip is several hundred miles, take a break every 100 miles or 1½ - 2 hours. Do something to refresh yourself, like going for a 10-minute walk or eating something cold or frozen (avoid sugary snacks!).
• Avoid alcohol and monitor your medications. Many people unknowingly take prescription and over-the-counter drugs that contribute to drowsiness – being aware of your medications' side effects can help you better manage your driving.
• Avoid driving at times when you would normally be asleep.

 

SECOND: If you get drowsy behind the wheel, immediately find a safe place to pull over, so you can refresh yourself and/or rest.

• Consume caffeine. The equivalent of two cups of coffee can increase alertness for several hours.
• Find a rest area, store parking lot, school or church parking lot and take a 20 minute nap, which is enough for most adults to be rest and re-charged.

 

For more tips on how to "drive alert, arrive alive," visit www.drowsydriving.org.

 

##ODOT##