Lesson #4a: Staying Awake

The National Highway Safety Administration estimates that 100,000 crashes - 3 to 4 percent of all accidents - occur each year as a result of drivers falling asleep, causing 76,000 injuries and roughly 1,500 deaths.  That is almost 4% of the 40,000 automobile deaths each year.

David K. Willis, president of the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety said however, that most experts believe sleep deprivation may to blame for up to 15 percent of all crashes, including 6,000 annual deaths (also 15% of 40,000).

Trying to stay alert by opening windows, slapping ones own face or playing loud music is futile and does not work to keep you awake according to researcher Jane Strutts of the University of North Carolina Highway Safety Research Center.  "The only effective action.... is to stop driving immediately and pull over to get some rest or let someone else take over the driving". 

Instead of trying to solve the symptoms of a serious problem, SkyTran automatic interactive control eliminates the problem 100%.  SkyTran computers never sleep.  In fact, YOU are 100% welcome to take a nap while riding SkyTran.  It will automatically give you a wake up call in a pleasant voice as you approach your destination Portal!

Reference:  December 22, 1999 issue of the Orange County register, article by Brigitte Greenberg, The Associated Press.