The California Highway Patrol is reminding drivers when behind the wheel of their cars to remain alert in a campaign to help reduce fatigue-related collisions.
CHP, in a joint annual campaign with the State Transportation Agency and Office of Traffic Safety, alerts drivers of the affect drowsiness can have on the road.
The campaign – “Drowsy Driving Prevention Week” – provides public education about the risks of driving while drowsy and ways to improve safety on the road, according to the CHP.
More than 10,000 crashes a year, resulting in roughly 1,500 deaths, are caused by drowsiness, according to the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration.
Drivers are advised to find a safe place to pull over and rest if drowsiness becomes a factor, the CHP said.
Some warning signs of fatigue include difficulty focusing; lane drifting or swerving; inability to remember the last few miles driven; missing exits; hitting highway rumble strips; and yawning repeatedly.
In order to reduce the risk of drowsy driving, the CHP advises drivers to plan ahead to have adequate sleep.
The campaign runs through Nov. 10.
