The Société de l’assurance automobile du Québec (SAAQ) yesterday launched its 2015 campaign to raise awareness about the dangers of drowsy driving.
A TV commercial will air on French-language television and online from July 6th to August 2nd. Radio ads in both French and English will air from from July 13th to August 2nd.
Called “Stop before fatigue stops you,” the SAAQ's 2015 campaign aims to make all Quebecers aware of the hazards and consequences of driving while tired.
Drowsy driving: Facts and stats
A study by Transport Canada revealed that one in five deadly collisions is caused by driver fatigue. Similar to drunk driving, it affects your judgement and reflexes, compromising your safety and endangering other road users.
In the U.S., more than 100,000 accidents are caused by drowsy drivers each year, resulting in 40,000 people injured and 1,550 deaths. In Canada, around 400 people are killed and 2,100 injured annually due to fatigue behind the wheel.
How to recognize signs of driver fatigue
Drivers who frequently yawn, have itchy eyes or heavy eyelids, lack concentration, forget about long stretches of road they've just travelled or have a hard time driving in a straight line are clear signs that fatigue is settling in and taking a break would be a good idea.
Most people have experienced these things behind the wheel at least on a few occasions, and a number of accidents could easily have been avoided if they had heeded the warnings.