Stay Alert, Arrive Safe: THEA Marks Drowsy Driving Prevention Week

Being awake enough to drive matters just as much as buckling up. During National Drowsy Driving Prevention Week, THEA is reminding Tampa Bay drivers that fatigue is a real and preventable risk, especially as Daylight Saving Time ends on Sunday, Nov. 1 and darker evening commutes begin.

Why It Matters

Drowsy driving is more common, and more dangerous, than many people realize. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration estimates it was involved in 91,000 police-reported crashes in 2017. Fatigue slows reaction time, dulls judgment and makes it harder to stay focused on the road. According to the CDC, being awake for 18 hours can impair a driver similar to a 0.05% blood alcohol concentration.

One of the most serious risks is a microsleep, a brief lapse in attention that can last just a few seconds. At highway speeds, that is enough time to travel the length of a football field with no one in control of the vehicle.

Recognizing the Signs

Drowsiness often builds gradually, which makes it easy to miss. Frequent yawning, heavy eyelids, missing an exit or drifting out of your lane are all signals that your body needs rest. If you can’t remember the last few miles you drove, it is time to pull over somewhere safe.

Staying Alert Behind the Wheel

The best prevention is simple: get enough sleep. Most adults need at least seven hours a night, and shifting your bedtime a few days before the time change can make the transition easier. On longer trips, plan to stop every two hours or about 100 miles, and travel with a passenger who can share the driving when possible.

Quick fixes like turning up the radio or rolling down the window may feel helpful, but they do not address fatigue. If you are tired, the safest choice is to stop somewhere safe and rest.

Safer Together

At THEA, keeping Tampa Bay moving means keeping every driver safe. This week, rest up, plan ahead and speak up when someone is too tired to drive. THEA is proud to be part of a community that looks out for one another on every mile.

Sources