Drowsy Driving Prevention
Sleepiness can impair driving performance as much as alcohol,
studies show. According to the Institute of Medicine, more than 70 million
Americans suffer from a sleep disorder. A recent study by the American
Automobile Association (AAA) estimates that one out of every six (16.5%) deadly
traffic accidents, and one out of eight (12.5%) crashes requiring
hospitalization of car drivers or passengers is due to drowsy driving (AAA,
2010).
Oregonians will be adjusting our clocks to end daylight savings
time on Sunday, Nov. 6. ODOT is reminding drivers to adjust for that extra hour
to ensure you don’t get sleepy when out on the roads in the days and nights
following the adjustment. Watch for signs of drowsiness, such as problems focusing,
blinking frequently, and/or having heavy eyelids, trouble remembering the last
few miles, yawning repeatedly, or rolling down the windows or turning up the
radio to “keep you awake.”
If you are getting sleepy, 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 is all it takes for most people to restore alertness – reducing what could
be the risk of fatal mistakes. The National Sleep Foundation suggests drinking
a caffeinated beverage, then taking a quick nap, and you’ll get the benefits of
both, because it takes about 20 minutes for caffeine to have its impact on the
body. Whatever you do, it’s important to listen to your body and respond
appropriately.
For more tips on how to “drive alert, arrive alive,” visit www.drowsydriving.org.
Drivers Who Drift from Lane are Often Dozing, Ill
or Distracted
Drivers who crash as a result of drifting out of their lanes often
are asleep, suffering a medical emergency, or blacked out due to drug or
alcohol use, according to research by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.
This new research will help in the development of crash avoidance technology to
help reduce traffic crashes as a result of lane departure. In Oregon, about 42
percent of fatal and serious injury crashes are due to roadway departure
(2010-2014). Read more
Thanksgiving Weekend Travel
This Thanksgiving, many Oregonians will hit our roads,
eager to spend time with family and friends. It’s one of the busiest travel
times of the year, and unfortunately more people on the roadways means the
potential for more vehicle crashes.
No matter how far you’re driving this Thanksgiving—whether it’s
down the street, across town, or hundreds of miles—you could be involved in a
traffic crash. That’s why it’s important to always buckle your seat belt—every
trip, every time.
In less time than it takes you to slice the pie, pass the gravy,
or say ‘Happy Thanksgiving,’ you can do something much more powerful, smart,
and effective. Please remind all of your family members to Buckle Up—Every Trip. Every Time. You will be thankful you did.
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