Declare Drowsy Driving Awareness Week

Assembly Resolution No. 707 BY: M. of A. Galef MEMORIALIZING Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim November 5-11, 2017, as Drowsy Driving Prevention Week in the State of New York WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to recognize official weeks that are set aside to increase awareness of serious issues which affect the lives of citizens of New York State; and WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to memorialize Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim November 5-11, 2017, as Drowsy Driving Prevention Week in the State of New York, in conjunction with the observance of National Drowsy Driving Prevention Week; and WHEREAS, Sleep deprivation and fatigue make lapses of attention more likely to occur, and may play a role in behavior which can lead to crashes attributed to other causes; and WHEREAS, The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration estimates that 100,000 police-reported crashes are the direct result of driver fatigue each year; this results in an estimated 1,550 deaths,

71,000 injuries, and billions in monetary losses; and WHEREAS, It is difficult to attribute crashes to sleepiness since there is no test to determine sleepiness, state reporting practices are inconsistent and self-reporting is unreliable; and WHEREAS, Sleep-related crashes are most common in young people, particularly in men, adults with children and shift workers; adults between 18-29 are more likely to drive while drowsy compared to other age groups; and WHEREAS, Furthermore, men are more likely than women to drive while drowsy, adults with children in the household are more likely than those without children and shift workers are more likely than those who work a regular daytime schedule; and WHEREAS, Before heading on the road, it is suggested to: get a good night's sleep; plan to drive long trips with a companion; schedule regular stops; avoid alcohol and medications; or consult physicians; and WHEREAS, This Legislative Body recognizes the efforts of all those who raise awareness and educate others about the very real dangers of driving while drowsy, thereby improving the quality of all residing in New York State; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to memorialize Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim November 5-11, 2017, as Drowsy Driving Prevention Week in the State of New York; and be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to The Honorable Andrew M. Cuomo.