DMV Commissioner and Advocates Warn Motorists Of The Dangers Of Drowsy Driving

Week of November 10-16 to Focus on Prevention

ALBANY, NY (11/12/2008)(readMedia)--

Commissioner David J. Swarts of the Department of Motor Vehicles and Chair of the Governor's Traffic Safety Committee (GTSC) was joined at a press conference today by several community activists and state and federal agencies to mark November 10-16 as Drowsy Driving Prevention Week and to help warn motorists of the dangers of drowsy driving.

Commissioner Swarts was joined at the press conference by Dr. Bilal Chaudhry, Clinical Director of the Capital Region Sleep/Wake Disorder Center. Long- haul truck driver David May, who was named National Driver of the Year by the American Trucking Association for driving more than 1.5 million crash-free miles, also participated in the press conference along with Cindy O'Connor, whose 15-year-old son, Kevin, was killed in 2002 by a school bus driver who fell asleep at the wheel.

"While we are all aware of the threat posed by those who drive while under the influence and other reckless behaviors, drowsy drivers can be just as dangerous on our highways," Commissioner Swarts said. "Fatigue can impair driving ability, lengthen reaction time and increase the risk of a crash. It is something that most people don't give much thought to - but it is something about which we must all become more aware."

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), drowsy drivers cause at least 100,000 crashes a year, resulting in more than 1,500 deaths and 71,000 injuries. A recent report by the National Sleep Foundation (NSF) confirmed that motor vehicle crashes caused by drowsy driving continue to be under-reported, due to a lack of uniformity in crash reporting among states. However, in NSF annual surveys, half of adult Americans consistently report they have driven while drowsy and around 20 percent admit they have actually fallen asleep behind the wheel in the previous year.

"Patients now know the science of heart attack, the signs and symptoms of stroke but yet no one appreciates drowsiness," said Dr. Chaudhry. "It is our goal to educate people about the signs and symptoms of drowsy driving and the grave health risk it can pose."

"The trucking industry has always been acutely aware of the dangers of drowsy driving and takes great precautions to remain safe on the road," said Kendra Adams, Executive Director of the New York State Motor Truck Association. "We are glad that through National Drowsy Driving Prevention Week, other at-risk groups will be educated on the dangers of getting behind the wheel while drowsy and learn the warning signs of sleep disorders."

While falling asleep at the wheel is the most obvious example, drowsy driving can be as simple as not paying attention to driving due fatigue or sleep depravation. The warning signs of drowsy driving include difficulty in keeping a person's eyes open, repeated yawning, wandering or disconnected thoughts, drifting from the driving lane and failure to remember the last few miles driven.

To avoid drowsiness while driving, it is recommended that drivers get adequate sleep before they drive and take breaks about every 100 miles or two hours on long trips. Have a passenger help keep you awake and share the driving responsibilities. Of course motorists should never drink alcohol before driving and people should be aware of the potential side effects of any medications they might be taking, as some cause drowsiness.

Opening a window, turning on air conditioning or playing loud music should not be relied upon to overcome sleep deprivation and caffeine provides only a short-term increase in driver alertness. Drivers who experience drowsiness should pull over to find a safe place for a rest or to sleep for the night.

Driver safety tips and information are available by visiting the DMV's web site at www.nysdmv.com or the Governor's Traffic Safety Committee web site at www.safeny.com.

For more information, contact the communications office at the New York state Department of Motor Vehicles at 518.473.7000

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