Tired Drivers At Higher Risk On Road

Augusta, GA—Unfortunately, falling asleep at the wheel is something that happens far too often. It happened to Aiken County’s Lieutenant Michael Frank, last November and now Javonte Clanton.

Every year, as many as 100,000 people die because someone falls asleep while driving. According to the Georgia State Patrol, it’s more common to have crashes involving tired drivers, over drivers who are under the influence of drugs or alcohol. But, the scariest part of it all, is if you don’t listen to your body, you may never know you’re even falling asleep.

Trooper Steve Shelton, Georgia State Patrol: “The only way to avoid falling asleep at the wheel is getting plenty of rest to begin with. You can not drink enough coffee that’s going to wake you up, you cannot take a cold shower. If you are going to take a long trip make sure you take extra precaution and pull over and stop. That’s why you have rest areas.”

Trooper Shelton says that even though truckers are on the highways for longer periods of time, they are least likely to crash due to fatigue because they are more experienced on the road and have to log their hours.