Driver fatigue doesn’t get as much attention as drunk driving,
 but it can be just as deadly.

Driver fatigue takes the blame for as many as 240,000 motor vehicle accidents in the U.S. annually.
- US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration

Research suggests that fatigue and lack of sleep is the number one
cause of heavy truck crashes, a greater danger than either alcohol or drugs.
- National Transportation Safety Board

Nearly 1 in every 3 Americans, about 31% of the population
report having fallen asleep at the wheel.

More than 1,500 deaths each year are related to drowsy drivers. - American Medical Association

Many drivers feel pressured to drive as many miles as possible
in as short a time as possible in order to survive economically, causing them
to falsify their log books.
- National Transportation Safety Board

Sleep related accidents cost American government and business an estimated $46 billion each year.
- National Commission on Sleep Disorders and Research

A National Transportation Safety Board study found that fatigue may be a factor in 30-40% of truck crashes.

2. Don't try to drive when you are tired.

3. Don't cheat on your logbook, it's costly.

4. Maintain good physical condition and exercise regularly.
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True or False:

Coffee overcomes the effects of drowsiness
while driving. (False)

You can tell when you're going to fall asleep (False)

You're a safe driver, so it doesn't matter if you're sleepy. (False)

You can't take naps. (False)

You get plenty of sleep. (False)

Young people need less sleep. (False)

Being sleepy makes you misperceive things. (True)

* You can't stop yawning.
* You have missed your exit.
* Not sure of where you are.
* Your speed becomes variable.
* You keep drifting out of your lane.
* You have trouble keeping your head up.
* You almost went through the red light.
* You didn't see the speed zone change.
* You have wandering, disconnected thoughts.
* You don't remember driving the last few miles.
* Your eyes close or go out of focus by themselves.

If you have even one of these symptoms, you may be in danger of falling
asleep.  Find a truckstop, or a safe place to pull your rig over, and take a nap.

Drive alert!

If you drive solo, play the radio, chew gum, talk to other
drivers on the CB, or / and open the window.

Wear good quality sunglasses when necessary.

If you drive team, talk to your co-driver if he or she is awake.

Schedule a break every 2 hrs, or every 100 miles.  Get out and stretch,
safety check your rig, and get some exercise before getting
back into the cab.

Take a nap when you need one. Pull off to a safe location
like a rest area, or better yet, find a truckstop.

Be prepared to take a 15 to 30 min. nap if you experience signs
of fatigue.  If you sleep any longer you may be more groggy.

Don't drive with interior light on, it strains your eyes and distorts your vision.

Avoid medications that increase sleepiness.  Doctors can now
prescribe effective allergy medications that don't cause drowsiness.

The important thing is to KEEP YOUR EYES MOVING.
Always SCAN the road ahead, Looking to get the full picture, check your mirrors and gauge's.
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