Drowsy Driving Puts Teens at Risk (The Today Show)

The Dangers of Drowsy Teen Drivers (The Today Show)

Drowsy driving puts teens at risk

Many teens heading back to school are sleep deprived as they drive to and from school, increasing their accident risk, U.S. researchers say.

David Reich, spokesman for the National Road Safety Foundation, says drowsy driving is a risky behavior common among young drivers. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration estimates more than 100,000 crashes every year are due to driver fatigue, resulting in more than 1,500 deaths and 71,000 injuries.

Reich says there are several signs that warn a driver to stop and rest:

-- Difficulty focusing and frequent blinking.

-- Daydreaming, not remembering the last few miles driven.

-- Head nodding.

-- Repeated yawning, rubbing eyes.

-- Drifting out of lane, tailgating, hitting rumble strips.

A driver who experiences any of these should pull over at the next exit or a safe rest area and take a break or a 20-minute nap, Reich suggests.

Have a cup of coffee or caffeinated snacks and allow 30 minutes for the caffeine to enter the bloodstream. Don't drink alcohol or take medication, Reich adds. Drowsy driving can be as fatal as drunk driving.

• Category

  Autos & Vehicles

[Mikey McMahon]

This just happen to me, we all are okay and no one got hurt. But i learned that i need to take a nap and don't drive in i'm tired, I'm warning everyone i know to take a "Rest"

[wehiduhoehjo]

Really powerful video. I just purchased a device called the Driver's Alert! Check em out on facebook, search drivers alert It's a very practical device for drowsy driving.

[SBLEOO]

I am So sorry to hear dis.... a small mistake can take u forever...

[Vijit Bhatia]

I nearly fell asleep behind the wheel the other day but i had my anti sleep alarm on and it sounded so i pulled over and had a break. They are not that expensive and i got mine from NO NAP

[TOBTransPlanInc]

This was a great video. We're a transportation engineering and planning consultancy group, and we're doing a blog about many themes including road safety. This was a great video for our entry about the dangers of inattentive driving - which you can see if you go to our blog (it's the website link).

Thanks again!

[Vivek Bhatia]

No Nap road safety device alerts drowsy / sleepy drivers before they doze off at the wheel. Prevents accidents keeps you safe on road. Delivered free by courier at your address buy online