End of Daylight Savings Time Increases Risk of Drowsy Driving

National Road Safety Foundation Offers Tips to Stay Awake on the Road; More Than a Third of Drivers Admit to Falling Asleep at Wheel

NEW YORK, Oct. 26 -- When we set our clocks back an hour Saturday night, our nation's roads and highways will become a bit more dangerous, according to the National Road Safety Foundation (NRSF), a non-profit group that provides free driver safety programs for schools and other organizations nationwide.

"Since night falls an hour earlier, the commute home from work or school will likely be in the dark," says Adele Kristiansson, NRSF Director of Marketing and Legislative Affairs. "Also, the change of waking time coupled with earlier nightfall throws off our internal clock. It can take as long as two weeks for our bodies to adjust."

"Drowsiness is a condition most drivers fail to recognize, and it can be as dangerous as drinking and driving," she adds. Studies show 60 percent of U.S. motorists have driven while feeling sleepy, and more than a third admit to having fallen asleep at the wheel in the past year.

Kristiansson urges drivers to be alert to the signs of drowsiness while driving:

  * Difficulty focusing, frequent blinking, rubbing eyes
  * Daydreaming or not remembering the last few miles driven
  * Head snaps, yawning
  * Drifting out of your lane, tailgating or hitting shoulder rumble strips

If you experience any of these warning signs, pull over to a safe area and take a break, have a cup of coffee, caffeinated snack or a 20-minute nap. Allow 30 minutes for the caffeine to enter your bloodstream. Don't drink alcohol before driving and know if your medications might induce drowsiness.

Over the last 40 years, the National Road Safety Foundation has produced films and teaching materials that have been used to train millions of young drivers about the dangers of drinking and driving, speeding and aggressive driving. To receive a free copy of The Foundation's latest program that deals with drowsy driving, "Almost Home," and other free driver education programs, visit the NRSF website at http://www.nationalroadsafety.org/.