Wake Up! It's Drowsy Driving Prevention Week: How To Avoid Sleepy Driving

Lakewood, Colorado Personal Injury Lawyer Serving Denver, Boulder, and Nearby Areas

Posted: November 15, 2022

view reflection sleepy tired, exhausted young woman drivingDrowsy Driving Prevention Week is an annual campaign to raise awareness of the dangers of drowsy driving. The campaign runs from November 6-12. 

Our roads are plagued by drowsy driving. It is estimated that there are 300,000 crashes caused by drowsy driving each year in the United States. These crashes result in 150,000 injuries and 6,000 fatalities. 

Drowsy driving is preventable. If you are driving during Drowsy Driving Prevention Week or any other time of year, ensure you are well-rested and alert. 

Drowsy Driving: What Is It?

Sleep-deprived drivers operate motor vehicles with sleep-related cognitive impairments. Insufficient sleep causes sleepiness and fatigue, making driving while drowsy dangerous. Just as intoxication impairs the brain, sleep deprivation does as well. 

Drowsy Driving Prevention Week: What Is It?

The National Sleep Foundation conducts a weeklong Drowsy Driving Prevention Week (DDPW) campaign each year. Participating in this campaign can help reduce the number of sleep-deprived drivers.

What Makes Drowsy Driving Dangerous?

The dangers of drowsy driving are numerous. If you are tired, it is best not to get behind the wheel. 

Fatigue can cause several problems, such as reducing the speed at which you think and react, judgment and vision impairments, and decreased abilities and senses. It can also lead to micro-sleeping ("nodding off") or falling asleep completely. 

The leading causes of drowsy driving are sleep deprivation and driving during sleeping hours. Those with untreated sleep disorders, short-term or chronic sleep deprivation, shift workers, and commercial drivers are at an increased risk for fatal drowsy driving accidents.

Tips To Prevent Drowsy Driving

Here are some other tips for staying awake and safe on the roads: 

  • Get a good night's sleep before you hit the road. 
  • Take breaks every two hours. 
  • Avoid driving late at night or early in the morning. 
  • If you feel sleepy, pull over and take a nap. 
  • Avoid alcohol and medications that can cause drowsiness. 
  • Keep the car cool and well-ventilated. 
  • Listen to energetic music.

We Can Help

Have you are a loved one suffered an injury caused by a drowsy driver? We can help. The Frickey Law Firm is a personal injury law firm that has been serving the Denver area for over 50 years. 

Our attorneys have achieved top recognition from leading legal organizations, and we are committed to helping our clients in this trying time. Contact us today for service in Lakewood, Boulder, Denver, and nearby areas of Colorado. Give us a call at 303-237-7373.