EVERETT — With dusk now settling in before the afternoon is out, Washington State Patrol troopers are reminding people of the dangers of drowsy driving.
People who are too tired to drive often exhibit the same problems as those using drugs and alcohol, trooper Mark Francis said. That includes slower reaction times, shoddy concentration and poor judgment. It’s a problem, especially every winter, Francis said.
“We want people to realize that drowsy driving is just as dangerous as DUI driving,” he said.
He was called to a fatality accident in Whatcom County once where a sleepy driver ran a red light and struck and killed a motorcyclist.
In his eight years as a trooper, Francis also has seen people get a $550 ticket for negligent driving after falling asleep at the wheel and running off the road. If someone gets hurt or killed, drivers also can face felony charges, because they’ve disregarded the safety of others, he said.
At the same time, drivers also should be ready for more rain, more fog and the possibility of snow, which is already starting to fall at Stevens Pass.
“Whenever inclement weather is forecast our warning to the motoring public is always lower your speed and increase your following distance,” Francis said.
Warning signs that someone is too drowsy to drive include not remembering the past few miles, wandering thoughts, drifting, driving on rumble strips and missing traffic signals, according to an AAA news release.
AAA recommends taking a break every two hours or 100 miles and taking turns driving with another adult.
Rikki King: 425-339-3449; rking@heraldnet.com.
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