Millions Of American Drives While Tired

Anthony Fontanelle
July 1, 2007

In a study conducted by GMAC Insurance, it was revealed that millions of American drivers do not practice what they preach. This is because many American drivers believe that driving while tired is a dangerous thing to do. But in spite of that, millions are still driving while they are tired.

GMAC Insurance polled 5,175 licensed American drivers from all fifty states of the country and also includes drivers from the District of Columbia. After the poll, the study found out that 96 percent of the respondents agree that driving while tired is risky. But 65 percent of the respondents admitted that they drive even though they are tired. The 65 percent approximately corresponds to 130 million Americans.

The result of the study is quite alarming. An issue that the result of the study has raised is the safety of the general public comes the Fourth of July holiday. It is estimated that millions of Americans will be hitting the road during that holiday. The fact that millions of Americans are driving while tired supports the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety’s (IIHS) figures which says that July 4 is the deadliest driving day of the year. According to the institute, the third of July ranks as the second deadliest driving day of the year.

The summer season is also a time when many Americans travel long distances. With the fact that many Americans drive even when they are tired might increase the number of traffic accidents in the following months. According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, Americans travel longer distances in August compared to other months.

Gary Kusumi, the Chief Executive Officer and president of GMAC Insurance has this to say about the result of their study: “Everybody has their own personal threshold, but we believe that driving seven hours without significant breaks is pushing the limit. And there's no question that driving while fatigued is dangerous. More than 100,000 crashes each year are caused by drivers falling asleep at the wheel.”

It is, of course, imperative that a driver should be well rested if he or she is going to drive over long distances. Tired drivers behind a steering wheel not only endanger himself and the occupants of his or her car but also other motorists and pedestrians. Even with highly efficient brake parts such as those found at Active Brakes Direct would be rendered useless if a driver falls asleep while driving.

Casey Mears, a well-known NASCAR driver who drives the No. 25 National Guard/GMAC Chevrolet Impala, also has a few thoughts of his own to share with motorists who are pushing the limit. “When people hit the roads for long trips this summer, they really need to keep tabs on their level of fatigue,” said Mears who recently won the longest race of the Nextel Cup season at the Lowe’s Motor Speedway.

“It doesn't pay to skimp on sleep, and coffee and cat naps are only a quick fix. Getting plenty of rest is one of the keys to staying safe and being at your best, whether you're driving down the interstate or making laps around the race track,” added Mears.

Mears offers tips like planning ahead, avoiding alcohol, taking a buddy on a trip, limiting driving after midnight and knowing when to stop driving. These tips if followed by American drivers would result to fewer traffic accidents.

Source:  Amazines.com