Florida Touts Drowsy Driving Prevention Week

By: James Buechele - Email

Updated: Tue 1:57 AM, Sep 04, 2012

Tallahassee, Florida- September 3, 2012

According to a study by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 37% of Americans admitted to falling asleep behind the wheel.

Florida's drowsy driving prevention week kicks off as thousands of drivers head home from the long Labor Day weekend.

Charlotte Collins, of Crestview, Fla, drove six hours to and from Orlando to see her niece's wedding. Her family made sure each driver was well-rested.

"We switched up every three hours, two to three hours, and we got out, we stretched," said Collins.

In order to avoid dozing off behind the wheel, many drivers go to a can of soda, a cup of coffee and even an energy drink. But some people we talked to say they have their own ways of staying alert.

"I'll make sure my air is cold extra cold and that keeps me awake."

"We eat plenty of ice and it helps keep you awake," said Alabama driver Letitia Smith. "but if we get too sleepy we pull over and go to sleep."

Those most likely to fall asleep behind the wheel include 16-29 year old males, shift workers and people with sleep apnea.

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