Georgia Department of Driver Services (DDS) is pleased to support The National Sleep Foundation (NSF) Drowsy Driving Prevention Week® 2023 from November 5th until the 11th. The goal is to help people plan for the sleep they need and reduce the number of drivers who choose to drive while sleep deprived.

“Drowsy driving is impaired driving,” commented DDS Commissioner Spencer R. Moore. “This risk starts early for teen drivers. The data shows that 1 in 10 car crashes are due to drowsy driving, and drivers between the ages of 16–24 account for more than 50 percent of them,” he added.

NSF and DDS encourages everyone to prioritize sleep and drive when alert and refreshed. NSF's annual campaign goal is to help the public understand the risks of this form of impaired driving and reduce the number of drivers who choose to drive while sleep deprived.

Before getting into the car with someone or driving yourself, ask the following:

  • Are you sleep-deprived or fatigued? Are you suffering regularly from sleep problems? Less than 6 hours of sleep triples your risk of falling asleep while driving!
  • Are you planning to drive long distances without proper rest breaks?
  • Will you be driving through the night, mid-afternoon, or when you would normally be asleep?
  • Are you taking medications that can make you sleepy?

Drowsy Driving Warning Signs to Watch for:

  • Finding it hard to focus on the road, frequent blinking, or heavy eyelids
  • Starting to daydream, wandering eyes, and have disconnected thoughts
  • Having trouble remembering the last few miles driven
  • Missing an exit or ignoring traffic signs

For more tips and information, please visit the NSF website at https://www.thensf.org/drowsy-driving-prevention/.

For complete driver education and driver services information, please visit the DDS website at www.dds.georgia.gov.