Drowsy driving is one of the leading causes of traffic-related deaths in the United States. In fact, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) says that fatigue causes about 100,000 vehicle crashes each year and kills 1,500 annually. Unfortunately, that’s just the ones that get reported. And contrary to popular belief, less than one percent of fatigue-related accidents involve truck drivers.
One law in New Jersey – Maggie’s Law – allows law enforcement to penalize drivers for reckless driving if they deem the driver was too tired to be driving. If they are involved in an accident that kills another driver, they can also be convicted of vehicular homicide and serve jail time as well. Currently, New Jersey is the only state in the nation with such a law.
Here are some tips from your Marlton area Chevrolet dealer so you don’t end up hurting someone from being a drowsy driver:
1. Get plenty of sleep the night before a long trip.
2. Take someone with you on long trips. Conversation will help keep you awake.
3. Do not work all day and then drive all night.
4. Know your body. If you get tired around mid-afternoon, use that time to pull over and take a brisk walk or do something else to wake yourself up.
5. Use common sense. If you are getting tired, pull over for the night.
Your local New Jersey dealer wants to encourage you to be alert when you’re behind the wheel. Use these tips to help you and other drivers to stay safe.
