One in six fatal crashes involve drowsy drivers

In support of the National Sleep Foundation’s Drowsy Driving Prevention Week, which runs Nov. 12-18, AAA would like to offer the following tips to avoid driving drowsy:

* Get plenty of sleep (at least seven hours) the night before a long trip.

* Travel at times when you are normally awake, and stay overnight rather than driving straight through. Stop driving if you become sleepy; someone who is tired could fall asleep at any time.

* Schedule a break every two hours or every 100 miles, even if you aren’t feeling fatigued.

* Travel with a companion and take turns driving. Vehicles in which the driver was accompanied by a passenger were nearly 50 percent less likely to be involved in a drowsy driving-related crash, according to AAA data.

* Avoid heavy foods or medications that cause drowsiness or other impairment.

* Do not rely on caffeine to keep you awake. Individuals react to caffeine differently, and they also feel the effects at different times. Caffeinated beverages should never be used as a substitute for sleep.

For more information on drowsy driving, including the AAA Foundation’s brochure, How to Avoid Drowsy Driving, visit AAAFoundation.org. AAA is an advocate for the safety and security for the motoring public. For more information on the club’s advocacy efforts, visit www.AAA.com.