A Safe Driver Is an Alert Driver
December 2000

This is the time of year when people hit the road in increasing numbers for holiday travel and shopping, even when they are tired. Federal safety officials say that fatigue or drowsiness is cited as the cause for over 56,000 vehicle crashes each year. Passenger vehicles are involved in over 95% of these crashes. Studies have shown that a tired driver has slow reactions and impaired judgment. The danger signs for a drowsy driver include:

• Your eyes close or go out of focus by themselves and you have trouble keeping your head up.

• You have wandering, disconnected thoughts.

• You don’t pay attention while driving the last few miles and/or you miss your exit.

• You keep drifting out of your lane and your speed becomes variable.

To be as safe as possible, be aware of your own body clock and take extra care if you have to drive during the periods when you are most likely to be drowsy. The following are some tips to help keep you alert.

• Take a nap before a trip whenever possible.

• The instant you become drowsy, stop in a safe place and take a nap.

• Schedule a break every two hours or 100 miles.

• Stretch, take a walk, safety check your car and get some exercise before getting back behind the wheel.