CHP Warns Against Drowsy Driving

By Bay City News Service

The California Highway Patrol is reminding drivers when behind the wheel of their cars to remain alert in a campaign to help reduce fatigue-related collisions.

CHP, in a joint annual campaign with the State Transportation Agency and Office of Traffic Safety, alerts drivers of the affect drowsiness can have on the road.

The campaign - "Drowsy Driving Prevention Week" - provides public education about the risks of driving while drowsy and ways to improve safety on the road, according to the CHP.

More than 10,000 crashes a year, resulting in roughly 1,500 deaths, are caused by drowsiness, according to the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration.

Drivers are advised to find a safe place to pull over and rest if drowsiness becomes a factor, the CHP said.

Some warning signs of fatigue include difficulty focusing; lane drifting or swerving; inability to remember the last few miles driven; missing exits; hitting highway rumble strips; and yawning repeatedly.

In order to reduce the risk of drowsy driving, the CHP advises drivers to plan ahead to have adequate sleep.

The campaign runs through Nov. 10.    

Copyright © 2013 by Bay City News, Inc. -- Republication, Rebroadcast or any other Reuse without the express written consent of Bay City News, Inc. is prohibited.

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