DPS NEWS

Drowsy Driving Awareness Week 2022

The third full week in August has been designated as Drowsy Driving Awareness Week in Utah, so we’ll be sharing information about the dangers of drowsy driving and how everyone can help prevent episodes of it.

Click HERE for Utah drowsy driving data dashboards.

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Drowsy Driving Can Have Deadly and Devastating Consequences

Sometimes we tell our “tired” selves when we are driving that “we can make it” or “push through” to our destination, but the fact is drowsy driving is just as dangerous as drunk driving. That decision to drive when we shouldn’t can have lasting effects on many.

WHO

• In 2021, male drivers were two times more likely to drive drowsy than female drivers. 
• The chart below shows drowsy driver crashes by age group in Utah in 2021

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WHAT

Driving while you’re sleepy.

You might not realize it, but it has similar effects to driving drunk.

Don’t endanger yourself, your passengers or others on the road. If you feel sleepy, get off the road.

In 2021, the majority of drowsy driving crashes were a result of the driver failing to keep in the proper lane. 

WHERE

Road trips and longer drives can lead to drowsy driving.

Many times, people try to just drive through to their final destination.

WHEN

• Drowsy driving crashes spiked at 6 AM and again at 4 PM.
• The chart below shows the drowsy driving crashes by month in Utah in 2021.

WHY

We aren’t getting enough sleep and that’s having negative effects on our lives – including our driving.

Poor quality sleep can affect all of us.  

There were 14 drowsy driving fatalities in Utah in 2021.

If you feel drowsy, pull over for a quick nap or switch drivers.

WATCH: a story “I fell asleep at the wheel, and it resulted in the death of my sister Maddie”

 

HOW CAN YOU PREVENT DROWSY DRIVING

Recognize the signs – in yourself or, if you’re a passenger, in the driver.

Don’t hesitate to get involved – recommend stopping for a break or offering to drive if you’re awake and alert.

Help the driver recognize that he/she is tired and that drowsy driving is dangerous.

Before you hit the road – follow these steps to help avoid drowsy driving:

On the road – if you get sleepy, follow these tips to help keep you safe:

SLEEP SMART. DRIVE SMART. ARRIVE ALIVE.

For more information about drowsy driving, visit

Drowsy Driving.org

Zero Fatalities Drowsy Driving