TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (The News Service of Florida) - State troopers are spending September warning Florida drivers about the dangers of driving while tired.
Last year, 28 Floridians died in more than 4,300 car crashes as a result of drowsy driving.
Since most drowsy driving crashes involve someone falling asleep at the wheel and leaving the road without attempting to stop, they are among the most serious types of car accidents.
Florida Highway Patrol Captain Tom Pikul says driving while tired is as dangerous as any other form of distracted driving.
“If you feel you are too tired to be driving, you are too tired to be driving. Don’t get behind the wheel," said Pikul. "Don’t put yourself in danger, or anyone else in danger out on the roadway.”
8-year-old Ronshay Dugans was killed 10 years ago this week, when her school bus was hit by a truck driver who fell asleep at the wheel.
In her honor, legislation was passed in 2010 designating the first week of September as Drowsy Driving Prevention Week.
“I would encourage everybody to not drive drowsy. Try to get enough sleep, because it can change a life," said James West, Ronshay's cousin. "We are the victims of the tragic things that can happen by driving drowsy.”
FHP says there are many similarities between drowsy and drunk driving, including swerving between lanes, driving at erratic speeds and the general inability to focus on the road.
