Be Alert to the Dangers of Drowsy Driving
By Gamee Elliott, STATE FARM Insurance Agent

Driving while drowsy may be turning into almost as serious a problem as driving while intoxicated.
Sleep deprivation has become widespread in America as people try to squeeze more and more activities into each day. One consequence: more vehicle crashes attributed partly or wholly to sleepiness. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. (NHTSA) estimates that at least 100,000 crashes, 1,500 deaths and 40,000 injuries each year can be blamed on drowsy driving. And those are conservative estimates.
NHTSA also says about one million crashes a year are thought to occur because of driver inattention or lapses – and fatigue makes such inattention more likely.
In a survey by the national Sleep Foundation, 57 percent of those interviewed said they had driven while drowsy and 23 percent admitted to having fallen asleep behind the wheel.
NHTSA reports that sleep-induced crashes typically involve a driver who is alone and driving late at night or in midafternoon on a high-speed road (so the crash is more likely to be serious.) Most of the time, it’s a single-car crash because the vehicle leaves the roadway.
Leave the driving to those who are wide-awake! In other words, many of us may be susceptible to driving while sleepy, but there are some things we can do to avoid doing so. The national Sleep Foundation and other experts suggest:
**Get a good night’s sleep before starting a long drive. Avoid driving during your body’s natural “down time” when you’d normally be sleeping.
**If possible, take a companion along to help you stay awake and possibly share the driving on long trips.
**Sit up straight while driving; don’t slouch. Don’t stare straight ahead at all times; scan the road and nearby areas.
**Stop for a rest every 100 miles or two hours. If you need one, take a short nap. Or get some exercise – run in place, jump up and down.
**Avoid alcohol and medications that may make you sleepy; read the label on the container or ask you physician.

MAGGIE’S MEMO:
GAMEE ELLIOTT’S STATE FARM INSURANCE AGENCY in Salisbury offers an array of insurance products to meet your needs, including auto, life, health, and long term care coverage. GAMEE is a registered representative for variable products and mutual funds, as well. We congratulate her on being President-elect of the Salisbury Area Chamber of Commerce.

MAGGIE SAYS:
STATE FARM’S District Supervisor told us: “It is a pleasure working with an agent like GAMEE who is so focused. She runs a top-notch insurance agency with professional staff in a pleasant environment for her clients’ lives and her employees’ professional growth. GAMEE leads in many ways, including community involvement and sponsorships. She and her staff help their clients manage the risks of everyday life and develop plans to realize their dreams. STATE FARM is proud to have GAMEE ELLIOTT represent us in Salisbury.”