SACRAMENTO,
Calif. – Daylight Saving Time ends on Sunday, November 7, 2021, and the “fall
back” time change can disrupt sleep patterns and affect a driver’s ability to
concentrate and safely operate a motor vehicle.
The California Highway Patrol (CHP) joins the National Sleep Foundation
in recognizing Drowsy Driving Prevention Week, November 7-13, 2021, and reminds
drivers to be cognizant of the warning signs of fatigued driving.
“When you
think of the causes of impaired or distracted driving, include drowsy driving,”
said CHP Commissioner Amanda Ray. “Driver
inattention due to fatigue can result in similar effects as drugs or alcohol.”
According
to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, people who have been awake
for at least 18 hours may behave as someone impaired by alcohol. On average, in California there are more than
6,000 crashes annually that are attributed to drowsy driving.
Some suggested
tips to avoid drowsy driving include:
- Getting enough sleep before driving.
- Driving with a passenger and switching
drivers before you start to feel drowsy.
- Taking regular rest stops even
if you are not tired.
- Avoiding alcohol or medications that can cause
drowsiness.
- Stay alert and drive without distraction not only
to protect yourself, but to protect your passengers and other motorists.
If you feel
fatigued while driving on California’s roadways, motorists
are encouraged to take advantage of the more than 80 safety roadside rest areas
maintained by the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) throughout
the state. To find a rest area or to
check for the latest travel information on state highways, visit Caltrans’
QuickMap at http://quickmap.dot.ca.gov/.
The mission
of the CHP is to provide the highest level of Safety, Service, and Security.
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