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Nodding Off at the Wheel |
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Survey Reveals Nearly 70 Percent Report Feeling Drowsy While Driving |
MILWAUKEE (August 28, 2003) – Traffic tie-ups, bad weather and construction aren’t the only headaches facing travelers on the road – staying awake is also of critical concern. According to a recent survey , when asked if they ever felt themselves dozing off at the wheel, 68 percent of survey respondents said yes. The survey was conducted on behalf of Baymont Inns & Suites’ DriveRevived® program, which aims to help travelers better understand the warning signs of drowsy driving in an effort to prevent falling asleep at the wheel.
Drowsy driving is a serious concern. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) estimates that sleepiness causes more than 100,000 automobile crashes, 1,500 fatalities, 71,000 injuries and $12.5 billion in economic costs each year. In response, the state of New Jersey recently passed a law that allows prosecutors to charge a sleep-deprived driver with vehicular homicide, punishable by up to 10 years in prison and a $100,000 fine. But while drowsiness is an important issue, only 8 percent of those surveyed report pulling over to take a quick nap to revitalize.
When do drivers find it most difficult to stay awake? For 34 percent it’s late at night, while 29 percent feel sleep creeping up on them from 3-5 p.m.
Fighting & Beating Sleep
To combat sleepiness, 24 percent prefer opening the window for a breath of fresh air, 22 percent rely on coffee for a jolt and 14 percent get a pop out of soda. Other creative approaches included a drop of Tabasco sauce on the tongue, repeatedly slapping the face and a baby wipe to the face.
Advance planning also plays an important role in travel, as 77 percent of those surveyed take the time to make reservations for overnight stays before lengthy road trips.
Pigs and Insects and Outhouses, Oh My!
Crowded flight? Forget about it. Bumpy bus ride? Piece of cake. Travelers hitting the highways en route to their business and leisure destinations have faced off against unforgiving hailstorms, swarms of insects and highway robbery.
When asked about the worst place they pulled over to take a break from driving, 27 percent of those surveyed cited unsavory rest stops and truck stops, with bad smells, poor lighting, and lack of security topping the list of complaints. Another 19 percent pulled over to the side of the road to find respite from torrential rains, sit out traffic tie-ups and to safely give in to the urge to sleep. Additional nightmare stops that soured a road trip included being robbed, the stench of nearby pig farms, questionable characters, seedy motels and a dark cornfield in the middle of South Dakota.
Rise & Shine
“Up and at’ Em!” is the battle cry of highway warriors everywhere, as nearly 86 percent of those surveyed preferred leaving for their trips early in the morning. Afternoon comes in a distant second, with 5 percent opting to leave after lunch.
When survey respondents were asked about the longest amount of time spent in the car without stopping for a break, 56 percent said 4-6 hours, 32 percent said 1-3 hours, and 13 percent go the distance, driving seven hours or more before stopping.
Are We There Yet?
To combat severe cases of the “Are we there yets?” 24 percent of those surveyed with children relied on movies to keep their kids entertained, and 22 percent prefer hand-held video games to get the job done.
About DriveRevived
DriveRevived® is a campaign designed to educate consumers about the dangers of driving drowsy. Tired travelers can stop at any Baymont Inns & Suites for a free cup of coffee or bottle of water, 24/7, with no pressure to spend the night. Baymont’s goal is to provide a clean, safe place to stop and take a break so travelers can get to their final destinations refreshed. At each DriveRevived station, literature is available outlining the risk factors for and prevention of drowsy driving. Visit www.DriveRevived.com for drowsy driving risk factors and prevention methods.
About Baymont Inns & Suites
Headquartered in Milwaukee, Wis., Baymont Inns & Suites, a mid-priced lodging chain that operates or franchises more than 180 locations in 31 states nationwide, is a wholly owned subsidiary of The Marcus Corporation (NYSE: MCS). For more information on The Marcus Corporation, go to www.marcuscorp.com. For more information on Baymont Inns & Suites, visit www.baymontinns.com.
Baymont Inns & Suites continues to be a leading brand in the mid-market segment. The brand offers a 110% Satisfaction Guarantee, and has made a huge investment in its frequent-stay program – Guest Ovations® – with more than 280,000 members and growing. Under the 110% Satisfaction Guarantee, if any guest is dissatisfied with any aspect of his or her stay and the hotel is unable to resolve the problem, the guest will receive their night’s stay for free, plus a coupon for a 10 percent discount on their next stay at any Baymont Inns & Suites hotel.
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Headquartered in Milwaukee, Wis., Baymont Inns & Suites, a mid-priced lodging chain that operates or franchises 182 locations in 31 states nationwide, is a wholly owned subsidiary of The Marcus Corporation (NYSE: MCS). |
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