SACRAMENTO,
Calif. – Daylight Saving Time ends on Sunday, November 1. The time change may disrupt sleep patterns
and affect the ability to concentrate and safely operate a motor vehicle. To highlight the life-threatening dangers of
fatigued driving, the California Highway Patrol (CHP) joins the Office of
Traffic Safety (OTS), the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans),
and the National Sleep Foundation in recognizing Drowsy Driving Prevention Week,
November 1-8, 2020, and encouraging Californians to stay alert and stay alive.
“Staying
alert behind the wheel goes beyond avoiding distractions,” said CHP
Commissioner Warren Stanley. “The other
major contributor to driver inattention is drowsy driving. Fatigue can have a similar impairment effect as
drugs or alcohol.”
According
to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, being awake for at least 18 consecutive
hours is the same as having a blood alcohol content of .05 percent. On average, in California there are more than
6,000 crashes annually that are attributed to drowsy driving.
“If
you’re feeling sleepy, you shouldn’t be driving,” OTS Director Barbara Rooney
said. “When you ask yourself, ‘Am I OK
to drive?’, the answer should factor in not only if you’ve been drinking or have
taken drugs that impair, but also if you’ve had enough rest.”
“We should all
remember that despite the pace of life, it’s vitally important to avoid driving
when fatigued or without adequate rest,” said Caltrans Director Toks Omishakin.
“Caltrans operates more than 85 Safety Roadside Rest Areas throughout the state,
each providing a convenient place to rejuvenate before returning to the
highway.”
The public can view rest area locations by visiting: http://quickmap.dot.ca.gov/.
Some suggested
tips to avoid drowsy driving include getting at least seven hours a day, sticking
to a sleep schedule, and avoiding alcohol or medications that can cause
drowsiness. Caffeinated beverages may
help in the short term, but are not a substitute for sleep or rest. Stay alert and drive without distraction not
only to protect yourself, but also your passengers and other motorists.
The
mission of the CHP is to provide the highest level of Safety, Service, and
Security.
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