Time change requires planning ahead, getting rest - and taking action

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March 2, 2014

For more information: Shelley M. Snow, ODOT Communications, (503) 986-3438

 

SALEM – This weekend, Oregonians will “spring forward” by setting clocks ahead one hour (officially at 2 a.m. Sunday, March 8), and according to the National Sleep Foundation, any disruption of your normal routine can have consequences. It can create hazards on the roads, for example, such as when a sleepy driver gets behind the wheel. In 2013 in Oregon, 10 people died in crashes involving a drowsy driver. From 2008 – 2012 in Oregon, 63 people died in crashes involving drowsy drivers. Though other factors may have been involved, some of these crashes could have been avoided.

 

The Oregon Department of Transportation and safety advocates offer these tips for motorists, bicyclists and pedestrians:

 

Prevent drowsy driving!

  • Get a good night’s sleep.While this varies from individual to individual, sleep experts recommend between 7-9 hours of sleep per night for adults and 8 1/2-9 1/2 for teens.
  • Drive long trips with a companion. Passengers can help look for early warning signs of fatigue or can drive when needed. Passengers should stay awake to talk to the driver.
  • Schedule regular stops – every 100 miles or every two hours.
  • Be aware of one another: bicyclists and pedestrians should be aware that drowsiness could be in play, especially the first few days after the time change.

 

Recognize the signs of drowsiness:

  • Difficulty focusing, frequent blinking, or heavy eyelids.
  • Daydreaming or wandering/disconnected thoughts.
  • Trouble remembering the last few miles driven, or missing exits or traffic signs.
  • Yawning repeatedly or rubbing your eyes.Trouble keeping your head up.
  • Drifting from your lane, tailgating, or hitting a shoulder rumble strip.

 

If you are getting drowsy:

  • Pull over at the next exit or safe parking area; if you wait, it could be too late.
  • Take a 15 to 20-minute nap – studies show this is enough for most people to be rested. (More than 20 minutes can make you groggy for at least five minutes after awakening.)
  • Consume the equivalent of two cups of coffee. Caffeine is available in various forms (e.g. soft drinks, energy drinks, coffee, tea, chewing gum, tablets). Keep in mind, caffeine takes about 30 minutes to enter the blood stream and will not greatly affect those who regularly consume it.
  • Some may find it most beneficial to do both: take caffeine and then a short nap.
  • Take a brisk walk in the fresh air, in a safe, well-lit location.

Young drivers are especially likely to experience drowsiness because they tend to stay up late, sleep too little and drive at night. Parents and teens will want to take extra precautions around this time – or any time ‘regular’ sleep routines are disrupted.

 

“See and be seen”

  • Pedestrians and bicyclists should always wear bright clothing for early morning and evening travel; bright and/or reflective clothing or equipment helps get you noticed.
  • Drivers may begin to see more bicyclists and pedestrians with the days becoming longer, so they should be on the lookout for these users of our multimodal transportation system.

 

More information about being safe behind the wheel is available at www.drowsydriving.org.

 

## ODOT ##

 

See this news release and others on the ODOT Newsroom website: http://www.oregon.gov/ODOT/COMM/pages/news_main.aspx