Don't Be A Stuffed Turkey, Avoid Drowsy Driving

    LOS ANGELES--Nov. 20, 2001--One of the greatest potential hazards facing motorists over the Thanksgiving holiday period is driving while drowsy.
    The Automobile Club of Southern California warns that falling asleep at the wheel can bring a tragic end to holiday travel plans. During 2000 there were 2,803 crashes, resulting in 1,979 people killed or injured, caused by drivers who were sleepy or fell asleep at the wheel in the Southland, according to an analysis by the Auto Club.
    These data encompass fatal, injury and property damage only collisions for Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino and Ventura counties.
    "Driving when you are sleep deprived is a recipe for disaster," said Arline Dillman, Ph.D., traffic safety manager for the Auto Club. "Drivers should get at least five hours of sleep before hitting the road, 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. Millions of people in the western United States are expected to travel by vehicle during Thanksgiving. With many drivers starting their trip on Wednesday evening, the day prior to Thanksgiving, staying alert is important."
    Drivers need to watch for these danger signs:

--	Eyes closing by themselves
--	Difficulty 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.

    The Auto Club is providing free "Solution to Drowsy Driving" tip cards to all motorists at its offices throughout Southern California.
    The Automobile Club of Southern California, the largest AAA affiliate, has been serving members since 1900. Today, Auto Club members benefit by the organization's roadside assistance, financial products, travel agency and trip planning services, highway and transportation safety programs, insurance products and services and automotive pricing, buying and financing programs.
    Information about these products and services is available on the Auto Club's Web site at www.aaa-calif.com.