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SLEEPING and Driving Don't Mix

20 November 1999

Auto Club Cautions Motorists to Avoid Drowsy Driving During Thanksgiving Holiday

    LOS ANGELES--Falling asleep at the wheel can bring a tragic end to holiday travel plans, warns the Automobile Club of Southern California.

    More than 1,900 Californians were killed or injured in car crashes in 1998 because they couldn't stay awake while driving, according to an analysis by the Auto Club.

    "Don't mix sleeping and driving," cautions Arline Dillman, Ph.D., traffic safety manager for the Auto Club. "Drivers should get a full night's rest or at least five hours of sleep before getting behind the wheel, because those who are even slightly tired may not be able to react to road danger.

    "Use extra caution if you must drive between 2 a.m. and 6 a.m. because this is the most dangerous time for drowsiness. Millions of people in the western United States are expected to travel by vehicle during Thanksgiving. Staying alert is important because many drivers will be starting their trip on Wednesday evening, the day prior to Thanksgiving."


    Drivers need to watch for these danger signs:

    -- Eyes closing by themselves
    -- Difficulty with paying attention
    -- Frequent yawning
    -- Swerving in lane

    If drivers experience any of these danger signs, they could fall asleep at any time. The Auto Club recommends three basic solutions -- sleep, exercise and caffeine:

    -- Take a nap -- even 20 minutes will help.
    -- Exercise after waking up helps increase alertness. Try running
    or walking while waving arms.
    -- Consume caffeine -- it can provide an extra boost.

    The Auto Club offers the following additional recommendations to help motorists avoid drowsy driving:

    -- Packing should be completed early enough before the trip to
    allow time for a normal night's sleep.
    -- Try to set a limit of 300-400 miles of driving per day to
    limit fatigue.
    -- Avoid drugs that may cause drowsiness.
    -- When driving, keep eyes moving -- from the left side of the
    road to the right. Focus on an object that is near, then on an
    object that is far.
    -- Stay alert. Decide ahead of time how to react to possible
    dangers or driving situations.
    -- Stop at regular intervals. Get out of the car every two hours
    or so. Run in place, do jumping jacks, breathe deeply.