Full Notification

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Stay Awake at the Wheel: Nov. 1-8 is Drowsy Driving Prevention Week

Cypress, California – As we “fall back” for Daylight Saving Time beginning November 1, sleep patterns may be disrupted and impact our ability to drive safely.

To highlight the dangers of driving while sleepy or tired, the Cypress Police Department joins the Office of Traffic Safety and other agencies across the country in recognizing Drowsy Driving Prevention Week, Nov. 1-8, 2020.

Please keep our streets safe and avoid driving if you are feeling sleepy,” Mayor Johnson said. “Not enough rest could have the same impact as using drugs or alcohol.”

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, being awake for at least 24 hours is the same as having a blood alcohol content of .10% percent, which is above the legal limit of .08%.

The Cypress Police Department offers these tips to avoid drowsy driving:
• Get enough sleep (at least seven hours a day).
• Stick to a consistent sleep schedule.
• Avoid alcohol or medications that can cause drowsiness.
• If traveling long distances, take a break every two hours or 100 miles.
• Take turns with another driver on road trips.
• If you are sleepy, pull over to a safe place like a highway rest area or parking lot and take a 15 to 20-minute nap.

Signs of driver fatigue include frequent yawning, daydreaming, trouble remembering the last few miles driven, missing an exit, or drifting from lanes.

The California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) maintains more than 80 safety roadside rest areas across the state. To find a rest area near you, go to http://quickmap.dot.ca.gov, or download the free QuickMap app on Google Play and in the App Store.

Scott Ausmus – Support Services Lieutenant
Public Information Officer
Office 714-229-6624
[email protected]