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On April 6, we observe Drowsy Driver Awareness Day – a day dedicated to raising awareness about the dangers of driving while drowsy. Did you know that according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, drowsy driving is responsible for an estimated 1,550 fatalities and 71,000 injuries each year? As shocking as these statistics may be, this day presents an opportunity for us to educate ourselves and others on the importance of getting enough rest before hitting the road. So let's take a moment to appreciate our well-rested selves and spread the word about staying safe on the roads!
<div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1975</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Drowsiness Recognition</div><div class='timeline-text'>The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) recognized driving while drowsy as a risk to personal safety.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1992</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Commercial Drivers Regulation</div><div class='timeline-text'>The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration imposes regulations limiting the hours a commercial driver can work without rest.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2005</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Defining Microsleep</div><div class='timeline-text'>Scientists define "microsleep" - brief moments of sleep that occur when a person is normally awake - as a leading cause of drowsy driving.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2010</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>First Drowsy Driving Summit</div><div class='timeline-text'>The first Drowsy Driving Prevention Week, organized by the National Sleep Foundation, takes place to address this public health issue.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2012</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Recognition of Drowsy Driver Awareness Day</div><div class='timeline-text'>The California State Senate officially recognized April 6 as Drowsy Driver Awareness Day after a motion by California State Senator Jim Beall.</div></div></div>
<div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>1</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Host a "Stay Awake" challenge</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Gather some friends and see who can stay awake the longest! This can be a fun way to raise awareness about drowsy driving and the importance of staying alert while on the road.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>2</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Organize a "Sleepover" at a local rest stop</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Set up a tent and spend the night at a rest stop to simulate what it feels like to be drowsy while driving. Use this opportunity to educate others about the dangers of driving while tired.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>3</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Create a social media campaign</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Spread awareness about drowsy driving by creating a social media campaign. Share facts, statistics, and tips for staying alert while driving using hashtags like #DrowsyDriverAwarenessDay.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>4</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Hand out free coffee or energy drinks</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Partner with a local coffee shop or energy drink company to hand out free drinks to drivers at rest stops or gas stations. This can help keep drivers alert and also spread awareness about drowsy driving.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>5</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Organize a "Drowsy Driving 101" workshop</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Host a workshop to educate others on the dangers of drowsy driving and how to prevent it. Invite a sleep specialist or someone who has experienced a drowsy driving accident to speak and share their story.</p></div></div>
<div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>A</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>It raises awareness about a serious issue</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>Drowsy Driver Awareness Day is an important reminder about the dangers of driving while tired. It's estimated that around 100,000 car accidents are caused by drowsy driving each year, and this day helps to bring attention to this preventable problem.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>B</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>It promotes safe driving habits</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>By recognizing Drowsy Driver Awareness Day, people are encouraged to prioritize getting enough rest and taking breaks while driving. This can help prevent accidents and save lives on the road.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>C</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>It reminds us to take care of ourselves</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>Drowsy Driver Awareness Day also serves as a reminder to prioritize our own health and well-being. By getting enough sleep and understanding the dangers of driving while tired, we can protect ourselves and those around us on the road.</p></div></div>
<div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>1</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Lack of Sleep Equals High BAC Levels</h3><p class='facts-content'>Driving after going more than 20 hours without sleep is equivalent to driving with a blood-alcohol concentration of 0.08% - the U.S. legal limit.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>2</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Red Bull Doesn’t Always Give You Wings</h3><p class='facts-content'>Despite common belief, energy drinks and coffee are not always effective in combating fatigue. They can lead to "caffeine crash", consequently resulting in severe drowsiness.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>3</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>We Aren't the Best Judges of Our Own Alertness</h3><p class='facts-content'>Research shows that sleep-deprived individuals often underestimate their level of impairment, leading to an illusion of alertness behind the wheel.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>4</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Napping is an Effective Prevention Strategy</h3><p class='facts-content'>A short nap before a trip or pulling over for a 20-minute power nap can significantly decrease the risks of drowsy driving.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>5</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Youth are at Higher Risk</h3><p class='facts-content'>Young drivers aged 16-29, particularly males, are at the highest risk of drowsy driving accidents, often due to a combination of lifestyle factors, sleep patterns and driving habits.</p></div></div>
Drowsy Driver Awareness Day is celebrated on April 6 every year. In 2024 Drowsy Driver Awareness Day will occur on a Saturday.
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