CHP offers wake up call for drowsy drivers

A tough week for many people trying to adjust to the time change and the California Highway Patrol wants drivers who aren’t getting enough sleep to be extra careful out on the roads. According to King City CHP, there have been more than 2,000 car accidents in California that were caused by drowsy drivers. Many of those accidents are happening on highway 101 involving people traveling long distances.

Jeff Johns and his co-pilot, Tonya Halberstadt traveled to California from Indiana. The Johns did a twelve hour drive Friday and said they had to make a pit stop.

“I’ve probably drove pretty close to 3,000 miles since Saturday which was…I don’t even know what day it is, I need a Starbucks,” said Johns.

Thousands of drivers make their way past highway 101 every day, but mixing speed with lack of sleep can be dangerous.

“Sleep loss can impair your motor vehicle skills such as hand eye coordination. Judgement decision making so it’s very important that you’re well rested if you’re taking a long drive,” said King City CHP officer Jared Sobyra.

Since 2013, California has had more than 2,400 car accidents due to drowsy drivers, resulting in 28 deaths. CHP said drowsy driving is a problem that can be easily put to bed.

“If you’re feeling tired definitely pull over in a safe lit location off the freeway and just rest,” said Officer Sobyra.

CHP said driving 20 hours without getting 8 hours of sleep is the same as being legally drunk.

Getting some sleep is key and while many people go for caffeine, it isn’t the best solution.

“A couple of times when I’ve been pretty tired driving home and it’s definitely not an ideal situation and it’s totally unsafe I believe that,” said Kory Fontes.

CHP said sometimes when they see a car veering off the road it’s hard to tell if the driver is drunk, or tired.

“Especially in South County, I know we have long stretches of roadway and I know sometimes it can be daunting and boring but the number one thing is to stay focused while driving on the roadways,” said Officer Sobyra.

Most people said they don’t get 8 hours of sleep. CHP is trying to get the word out to the sleep deprived; if you’re feeling tired, pull over and rest.