SACRAMENTO,
Calif. – As the end of daylight saving time
approaches, the California Highway Patrol (CHP) and its traffic safety partners
are reminding motorists about the impact the time change and a lack of adequate
sleep can have on their ability to safely operate a motor vehicle.
The
CHP has partnered with the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans),
the California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS), and the National Sleep
Foundation in recognizing November 6-12 as Drowsy Driving Prevention Week to
raise awareness about the importance of a good night’s rest before driving.
Although
we “fall back” and gain an extra hour of sleep, it does not necessarily equate
to added rest, according to the American Academy of Sleep Medicine. In the fall, people tend to wake up earlier,
which results in less sleep throughout the week. The time change can also impair sleep
quality. This disruption in sleep/wake
patterns can have dangerous consequences, such as an increased risk of motor
vehicle crashes.
“The
CHP’s mission is to eliminate roadway deaths through education and enforcement
of traffic safety laws designed to keep motorists safe,” said CHP Commissioner
Amanda Ray. “Fatigue can impair driving
skills similar to being under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Plan ahead before you get on the road to
ensure you are well rested.’’
“Being
so tired that you’re ‘running on fumes’ and driving are a dangerous combination,”
OTS Director Barbara Rooney said. “Driving
safely requires your full and undivided attention – something we are not able
to do when tired and sleepy. It is important
you get the sleep you need so that when you drive, you are alert and refreshed.”
In
California in 2019 and 2020, drowsy drivers caused more than 11,000 crashes , resulting
in 6,411 injuries and 73 deaths. Drivers
ages 16-25 are at the greatest risk of falling asleep at the wheel, however drowsiness
impacts anyone’s ability to drive safely by slowing reaction times and making it
harder to pay attention to the road.
“Caltrans is committed to eliminating fatalities
and serious injuries on all California roadways by 2050,” said Caltrans Director
Tony Tavares. “To achieve this ambitious
goal, Caltrans is working to make our transportation system safer and more
forgiving. However, safety is a shared
responsibility. Every motorist can do
their part by ensuring that, when they get behind the wheel, they are well rested
and alert.”
Whenever
motorists begin to feel tired, the CHP reminds motorists to pull safely off
the road and use one of Caltrans’ statewide roadside rest areas for a quick mind-clearing
break. To find a rest area or to check for
the latest travel information on state highways, visit the Caltrans QuickMap at http://quickmap.dot.ca.gov/. Motorists are advised against stopping on the
side of the road where they risk getting hit by another car.
The
mission of the CHP is to provide the highest level of Safety, Service, and Security
to the people of California.
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