Holy Name Press Releases

Holy Name Reminds Summer Travelers that Alert and Alive is the Way to Drive

July 9, 2007

Drowsy Driving a Dangerous yet Preventable Hazard for Holiday Drivers

Americas highways will soon be bumper to bumper with road-tripping vacationers eager to enjoy their favorite summer vacation spots. Sadly, many drivers will hit the road without having had enough sleep, oblivious to the dangers of drowsy driving. With the summer vacation season well under way the Northern New Jersey Center for Sleep Medicine at Holy Name Hospital reminds the public to stay alert at the wheel and beware of other sleepy drivers in order to arrive at their destinations safely.   

Many people fail to realize that not getting a good nights sleep can have deadly consequences when behind the wheel, said Adam Glassman, MD, Co-Medical Director at the Northern New Jersey Center for Sleep Medicine at Holy Name Hospital.  With results being slower reaction times and performance, delayed brain processing, reduced vision and judgment, and increased moodiness, drowsy driving may be just as dangerous as drunk driving.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), driver fatigue is the direct cause of 100,000 car crashes each year, and the results are both deadly and costly:

NHTSA estimates 1,550 deaths; 71,000 injuries; and $12.5 billion in diminished productivityand property loss.  Researchers believe that these numbers are underestimated, given that an estimated 1 million crashes are produced by driver inattention a side effect of fatigue.

Drowsy driving is an all too common danger on Americas roadways. Those who claim that they have never operated a vehicle while feeling drowsy are in the minority, as the National Sleep Foundations (NSF) 2005 Sleep in America Poll showed that 60 percent of adults had done so in the past year. Furthermore, one out of five drivers report having actually fallen asleep while driving; thats a staggering 32 million people!

Driving drowsy can risk the lives of the driver, passengers, and others sharing the road, said John Villa, DO, Co-Medical Director at the Northern New Jersey Center for Sleep Medicine at Holy Name Hospital.  Fatigue-related crashes can easily be prevented.  We want you to arrive at your destination safely.  Its alright to take your time.

Are you feeling sleepy?  Pull Over!
Though you may be alert when you first begin your drive, drowsiness may soon set in.  Trying to beat traffic or arrive at your destination early by driving while sleepy puts you and other motorists at risk. The following warning signs indicate that its time pull over and stop driving:

• Difficulty focusing, frequent blinking and/or heavy eyelids
• Drifting from your lane, swerving, tailgating and/or hitting rumble strips
• Yawning repeatedly
• Trouble remembering the last few miles driven
• Missing exits or traffic signs
• Trouble keeping your head up

• Get a good nights sleep before you hit the road. You'll want to be alert for the drive and for your vacation, so get to sleep early the night before you go.
• Don't be too rushed to arrive at your destination. Many drivers try to maximize the holiday weekend by driving all night or without stopping for breaks. However, crashes caused by sleepiness are among the most deadly. It's better to allow the time, drive alert, and arrive alive.
• Use the buddy system. Just as you should not swim alone, avoid driving alone for long distances. A buddy who remains awake for the journey can take a turn behind the wheel and help identify the warning signs of fatigue.
• Take a break every 100 miles or 2 hours.
• Avoid alcohol and medications (over-the-counter and prescribed) that may impair driving performance and magnify the effects of sleepiness.
• Avoid driving at times when you would normally be sleeping.
• Pack a cooler filled with caffeinated beverages. Caffeine takes effect in about 20-30 minutes. If you start to feel sleepy, drink a caffeinated beverage and then pull over for a 30 minute nap before getting back on the road.