(Media release from AAA – The Auto Club Group):
AAA-The Auto Club group advises drivers to be aware of risky driving habits with the end of daylight-saving time. Georgians will gain an hour of sleep but will face additional risks to their morning and evening commutes thanks to earlier sunrises and sunsets, which could cause a disruption to sleep cycles. AAA warns these combined factors can greatly increase the risks of car crashes in the coming weeks.
“Drowsy driving is a significant traffic safety issue,” said Montrae Waiters, spokeswoman, AAA–The Auto Club Group. “Georgians moving their clocks back by one hour may gain an extra hour of sleep but should remember to monitor their sleep schedule to prevent drowsiness on the road.”
There is no guarantee that you will recognize your body becoming tired behind the wheel. In fact, one-half of drivers involved in crashes due to falling asleep behind the wheel did not detect any signs of drowsiness prior to the crash. Drivers should be aware that there may not be any warning signs before drifting off to sleep. That’s why it is critical for everyone to be alert to any warning signs that appear.
According to AAA Foundation research:
- Ninety-five percent of motorists view drowsy driving as very or extremely dangerous, but 19% admitted to driving when they were so tired that they had a hard time keeping their eyes open at least once in the previous 30 days before the survey 2020 (Traffic Safety Culture Index).
- Drivers who have slept for less than 5 hours have a crash risk comparable to someone driving drunk.
- Drivers who miss one to two hours of sleep can nearly double their risk of a crash.
Common symptoms of drowsy driving:
- Trouble keeping eyes open.
- Trouble keeping your head up.
- Drifting from your lane.
- Can’t recall last few miles driven.
- Feeling restless or irritable.
- Daydreaming or wandering thoughts.
AAA recommends that drivers:
- Should not rely on their bodies to provide warning signs for drowsiness and should instead prioritize getting at least seven hours of sleep before hitting the road.
- Avoid medications that cause drowsiness or other impairment. Never drive under the influence of alcohol or other drugs.
- Now is also a good time to check your car’s headlights to make sure they’re still working right.
- While operating a vehicle at night, slow down, stay at least four seconds behind the next car; keep your eyes moving, and watch for flashes of lights at hilltops, around curves, or at intersections, which may indicate oncoming vehicles.
School Safety
Moving clocks back one hour means it will be darker in the late afternoon. It is important to remember that children will be on their way home from school during this time, so drivers must remain vigilant.
- Slow Down. Speed limits in school zones are reduced for a reason. A pedestrian struck by a vehicle traveling at 25 mph is nearly two-thirds less likely to be killed than a pedestrian struck by a vehicle traveling just 10 mph faster.
- Stay Alert. Drivers should always avoid distractions while driving, but it’s crucial in school zones and residential neighborhoods.
- Headlights. Turn on the vehicle’s daytime running lights or headlights—even during the day—so children and other drivers can see you more easily. But don’t forget to turn them off when you reach your destination to maintain your battery life.
