The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) kicked off a month-long campaign on Friday, September 1 to raise awareness of the dangers of driving drowsy.
The first week of the campaign, from September 1 through 7, is dedicated to the memory of 8-year-old Ronshay Dugans. On September 5, 2008, she lost her life after a cement truck driver fell asleep at the wheel and struck the school bus that she was riding.
In 2010, Florida’s Ronshay Dugans Act was established by the Florida Legislature, recognizing the first week in September as Drowsy Driving Prevention Week in her honor.
Throughout the month of September, FLHSMV will focus on educating drivers to recognize the signs of exhaustion. The campaign aims to teach drivers how to prevent drowsiness as well as what to do if they are tired or displaying signs of fatigue while behind the wheel.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration categorizes drowsy driving as risky driving behavior, in the same way that driving while drunk, drug-impaired, distracted, without a seatbelt, or at excessive speeds is risky.
According to the National Safety Council, drowsy drivers account for around 100,000 crashes, 71,000 injuries, and 1,550 fatalities each year. In addition, the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety estimates that 6% to 11% of all police-reported motor vehicle crashes, as well as 16% to 21% of fatal crashes, likely involve drowsy driving.
“When you get behind the wheel, certain necessary things need to operate for your car to start; the same goes for you to safely control it as the driver,” stated FLHSMV Executive Director Dave Kerner. “It is important to know the signs of fatigue and how it can impact your driving. If you are tired, pull over and rest. Do not risk your life or the life of others on the road by continuing to drive while drowsy.”
The signs of drowsy driving include:
- Yawning or frequent blinking.
- Difficulty remembering the past few miles driven.
- Missing your exit.
- Drifting from your lane.
- Hitting a rumble strip on the side of the road.
- Nodding off or micro sleeping.
- Following other cars too closely.
- Difficulty maintaining proper speed.
FLHSMV states that any drivers experiencing these warning signs should pull over to rest or change drivers. Turning up the radio or opening the window are ineffective ways to keep a driver alert.
The individuals most at risk to drive drowsy are:
- Drivers who do not get enough sleep.
- Shift workers (work the night shift or long shifts).
- Teenagers who have less driving experience and high rates of sleep insufficiency.
- Drivers who use medications that make them tired.
- Those who have consumed alcohol.
- Commercial drivers, bus drivers, or those who drive a significant number of miles at night.
- Drivers on the road between midnight and 6 a.m. or in the later afternoon.
- People with severe sleep problems, including insomnia or other sleep disorders.
To avoid the risk of driving drowsy, FLHSMV recommends the following:
- Get enough sleep before you get behind the wheel; it is the best way to ensure you can maintain alertness while driving.
- Read the warning label on your medications, and do not drive after taking medications that cause drowsiness.
- On long trips, take a break every 100 miles or two hours. Allow plenty of time to get to your destination.
- Use the “buddy system” so you can change drivers when needed.
- Avoid driving at times when you would usually be asleep. If you have difficulty focusing, frequent blinking, or heavy eyelids, pull over in a safe place to rest before continuing to drive.
- The Florida Department of Transportation maintains multiple rest areas, service plazas, truck comfort stations, and welcome centers throughout Florida. There are great places to stop and take a break.
- Be wary of “tricks” to stay awake: Some people try fiddling with their windows, air conditioning, or radio, but this can draw your attention away from the road. Instead of using these tricks, stop and let your body get the rest it needs.
For more information, visit FLHSMV’s Drowsy Driving Prevention webpage.