TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WTXL)--Florida law enforcement officers are gearing up for "Drowsy Driving Prevention Week."
All next week, they are encouraging people to never drive tired.
The prevention week is September 1-7. It honors the memory of Ronshay Dugan who was killed in 2008.
"Six years ago, the life of a little girl was tragically taken in a crash that easily could have been prevented," said Florida State Representative Alan Williams, who sponsored the legislation in 2010. "Drowsy driving can be eliminated by simply planning and making a conscious decision to pull over and rest when you're tired. I applaud Ronshay's family for keeping her memory alive and fighting to prevent other senseless deaths."
"The department recognizes that making our roads safer includes driver responsibility and encourages all motorists not to drive drowsy," said Florida Department of Transportation Secretary Ananth Prasad. "Be alert every trip, every time you get behind the wheel."
Here are some tips to keep you safe:
- Allow plenty of time to get to your final destination.
- Avoid driving at times when you would normally be asleep.
- Drink caffeine. Two cups of coffee can increase alertness for several hours.
- Drive sober.
- Get a good night's sleep before you travel.
- Take a break every 100 miles or 2 hours.
- Take a nap-find a safe place to take a 15 to 20-minute nap, if you think you might fall asleep.
- Use the buddy system, switch drivers when needed.
