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The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) has designated September 1-9, 2019, Florida Drowsy-Driving Prevention Week. 

According to FDOT, Florida's Drowsy Driving Prevention Week honors Ronshay Dugans, an eight-year old Tallahassee girl who died when a drowsy driver plowed into the van in which she was riding. By sharing her story, FDOT believes everyone can learn more about the potential dangers of drowsy driving.

A National Sleep Foundation poll found that nearly 30 percent of drivers on U.S. roads admitted to falling asleep when behind the wheel, and more than half said they have driven while drowsy.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) says, “…the census of fatal crashes and estimates of traffic-related crashes and injuries rely on police and hospital reports to determine the incidence of drowsy-driving crashes. The estimates for 2017 show there were 91,000 police-reported crashes involving drowsy drivers. These crashes led to an estimated 50,000 people injured and nearly 800 deaths.”

In an effort to lower the number of accidents caused by drowsy driving, FDOT has asked everyone to share the following drowsy-driving information:

Risks for Drowsy-Driving Crashes

• Sleep loss
• Driving patterns
• The use of sedating medications
• Untreated sleep disorders: sleep apnea syndrome and narcolepsy
• Consumption of alcohol interacting with sleepiness to increase drowsiness and impairment
• Interactions among these factors increase overall risk

Who's Most at Risk?

• Young people, especially males under age 26
• Shift workers and people with long work hours
• Commercial and long-haul drivers. About 15 percent of all heavy truck crashes involve fatigue.
• People with undiagnosed or untreated sleep disorders are seven times more likely to fall asleep at the wheel.
• Business travelers who spend many hours driving or may be jet-lagged.

What to do?

• Do not consume alcohol, and avoid medications that cause drowsiness.
• Get a good night's sleep before driving. Good overall sleep habits will go a long way in preventing drowsy driving.
• Take a companion on long trips. Not only will you have someone to share the driving and help keep you awake, but you'll be able to save energy by carpooling.
• Schedule regular breaks, about every 100 miles or every couple of hours.
• Check out Florida's network of rest areas, service plazas, truck comfort stations and welcome centers.

"Should you or a loved one be injured in a crash because of a drowsy driver, after seeking medical attention, please contact Spivey Law Firm, Personal Injury Attorneys, P.A. We have the experienced team to assist you 24/7, and there are no costs or attorney fees unless we make a monetary recovery for you,” said Cape Coral Personal Injury Lawyer Randall Spivey.

Cape Coral Personal Injury Lawyer, Randall L. Spivey is a Board Certified Trial Attorney – the highest recognition for competence bestowed by the Florida Bar and a distinction earned by just one (1%) percent of Florida attorneys. He has handled over 2,000 personal injury and wrongful death cases throughout Florida. For a free and confidential consultation to discuss your legal rights, contact the Spivey Law Firm, Personal Injury Attorneys, P.A., in Lee County at 239.337.7483 or toll free at 1.888.477.4839,or by email to Randall@SpiveyLaw.com. Visit SpiveyLaw.com for more information. You can contact Spivey Law Firm, Personal Injury Attorneys, P.A.in Charlotte County at 941.764.7748 and in Collier County 239.793.7748.