Nov 15, 2008 11:29 pm US/Eastern
Family Warns About Dangers Of Drowsy Driving
HOWARD COUNTY, Md. (WJZ) ―
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Hundreds of Marylanders are killed every year in car accidents.
Hundreds of Marylanders are killed every year in car accidents.
Jessica Kartalija reports many crashes are the result of drowsy drivers.
Slick roads and sleepy drivers are not a good combination. This week, drivers are being urged to see the signs.
A family all too familiar with losing a loved one has an important message.
"We lost our niece in January to an accident caused by drowsy driving. We are doing our best to try and raise awareness," said Kevin Gray.
In January, Nicole Lee, 18, was killed by a drowsy driver. Her family wants to keep her memory alive by raising awareness. They're handing out coffee and flyers at rest stops along I-95.
"It's Drowsy Driving Awareness Week, so it's the perfect time to get out here at this rest area and try and reach as many people as we can," Gray said.
"It's something people really don't realize," said Valerie Edgar with the State Highway Administration. "It's negligent driving."
Drowsy Driving Awareness Week comes as Maryland's State Highway Administration is launching its "Choose Safety For Life" campaign, which urges drivers to stay focused.
"We lose more than 600 people a year to fatal accidents and 93% of crashes is driver error," Edgar said.
The State Highway Administration has some solutions: rumble strips, wide medians and guard rails do help. But they remind drivers that if you find yourself nodding off, pull over and get some rest.
"It's almost similar to drink driving, but people don't realize it until it is already upon them," Edgar said.
"If we can save a life, it's worth it," Gray said.
The State Highway Administration is urging drivers to call 911 if they see a drunk or drowsy driver.
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