Troy Tait with Sleep Smart Drive Smart, makes the case for the importance of getting enough sleep before getting behind the wheel of a car.
The Zero Fatalities program encourages Utah drivers to avoid the following five deadly behaviors while driving:
o Drowsy Driving
o Distracted Driving
o Aggressive Driving
o Impaired Driving
o Not Buckling up
Who’s at Risk
Workers with long hours
Shift workers
Young people
Males
People with sleep disorders
Prevention Tips
• Zero Fatalities Bag – to take on summer vacation
• Get a good night’s sleep for several nights before trip
• Take a break every two hours or every 100 miles
• Avoid driving any hours you generally are asleep
• If you can, plan to drive long trips with a companion
8 Signs You’re Too Tired to Drive
You can’t stop yawning
You feel restless or irritable
Your mind wanders or you have disconnected thoughts
You have trouble keeping your eyes open and focused, especially at stoplights.
You can’t remember driving the past few miles
Your driving becomes sloppy (tailgating, weaving, missing traffic signals)
You have trouble keeping your head up
You hit the rumble strips along the side of the road
— Readers Digest – 4/07
HOW DO YOU KNOW WHEN YOU ARE DRIVING DROWSY?
Warning signs to rest or stop, are the following:
• Energy Drinks, NoDoz pills, sunflower seeds, etc.
– if you need these you’re too drowsy.
• Ipod/radio – If you need to turn up the music it is a warning sign.
• If you need to roll down the car window to stay awake think about pulling over instead.
Two years ago Troy Tait’s nephew was in a serious wreck on the way home from work. Troy’s nephew decided to pull off at the next exit to rest, but he did not make it that far. He fell asleep and his vehicle rolled eight times. Troy’s family believes the only reason his nephew is alive today is because he was wearing a seat belt.
More information regarding Zero Fatalities can be found by visiting: www.zerofatalities.com
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