33 Percent Of Adults Have Fallen Asleep Behind The Wheel

Last updated on Wednesday, June 20, 2018

(DETROIT, MI) - Chevrolet is reminding drivers to stay safe and alert out on the roads this summer.

While driver awareness programs frequently focus on impaired and distracted driving, drowsy driving is a serious problem that often doesn't get the same level of attention.

Studies show that getting enough rest, is the best preventative measure. Sleep experts suggest 7-8 hours of sleep per night especially before a long road trip. Adequate sleep is even more important for younger teen drivers who require more sleep than adults, but often go without a good night's rest.

Some of the common signs of drowsy driving including frequent yawning or the inability to keep eyes open and missing exists or the inability to recall the last few miles traveled.

In addition, drifting from lane to lane or engaging the rumble strips on the side of the road and frequent tailgating, breaking or other unsafe maneuvers are all signs of drowsy driving.

With newer model vehicles that have active safety features (like lane keep assist, lane departure warning and others) that have been engaged more than average, this can also be a good indicator that it's time to stop driving.

Chevrolet safety experts recommend following a five-step model to ensure you stay safe and alert behind the wheel:

Drowsy Driving Do's and Don'ts

Do phone a friend - if you get drowsy driving home from work or on a long journey, ask a passenger to stay awake, phone a friend with hands-free calling or push your Chevy OnStar button and talk live with an advisor.
Do get in the game- If you start to feel your mind wander, go old-school and play eye-spy or the billboard alphabet game. Engaging your mind can often help you stay alert, so you can focus on the road ahead.
Do use your tech - engage all available active safety features before you start any journey, today's safety features like Chevy's lane-keep assist can help alert drivers when they are drifting. Keeping active safety features enabled helps you stay extra aware of your surroundings.
Don't rely on that energy drink- There is no better way to tackle tiredness than getting the recommended amount of sleep. If you're too tired to focus, consider pulling over in a safe place for a nap or find the nearest hotel to get a good night's rest.
Don't push it- We've all tried to get that last 30 minutes of a long journey in or had too early of a start in the morning. Just remember how important it is to stay alert on the road - the consequences of drowsy driving can be devastating.

1340 AM WBIW welcomes comments and suggestions by calling 812.277.1340 during normal business hours or by email at comments@wbiw.com

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