Comments on: Feeling Sleepy? FHP Cracking Down On Drowsy Driving

By: M in Bratt

M in Bratt — Thu, 04 Sep 2014 14:34:30 +0000

It’s a scary thought that the legislature is looking at this as an issue that another law can correct. What’s next? are they going to make us keep a log book like the truckers do to make sure we have had enough rest to drive? As a retired long haul driver, my observations tell me that the texters and cell phone talkers are by far a worse road hazard than tired drivers.

By: Mike Powers

Mike Powers — Wed, 03 Sep 2014 19:01:15 +0000

My understanding is each FHP patrol car will be outfitted with an espresso machine and a tea maker. Fatigued drivers will be able to simply pull up to parked FHP patrol cars to get a cup of their favorite stimulating beverage. The baristas, er officers will be making all beverages to order.

By: Richard Walker

Richard Walker — Wed, 03 Sep 2014 06:45:33 +0000

One person might be most tired between midnight and 6:00am, BUT, others (like me) are very awake during that time period.

Coffee can take up to a half hour to kick in, so don’t expect to have your eyes pop open after one sip.

Chewing gum can force oxygen to your brain and make you much more alert.

By: haley

haley — Tue, 02 Sep 2014 20:02:12 +0000

SERIOUSLY??????? Just like Paul said above, let’s concentrate on these idiots who text, put makeup on, talk, etc. before looking at fatigued drivers. I don’t know how many times I have seen drivers literally run off the road in texting situations. Ive seen ppl veer into another lane as they are texting Cmon lawmakers, how many innoccent ppl have been killed because of ppl on their cell phones? Let’s take care of this first. Fatigued driver may be a hazard, but compare it to the lives the ppl lost to idiots on their cell phone. RIDICULOUS!!!!!

By: fishbait

fishbait — Tue, 02 Sep 2014 17:06:11 +0000

I applaud any effort to encourage safety. Teaming with “lawmakers” is somewhat frightening. If the legislature tries to determine benchmark legal definitions for “drowsy driving”, this could turn into another nightmare. The police already enjoy almost unlimited discretion in pulling over and “checking out” motorists, not to mention their random road-block tests.

It seems that each individual has a different degree of tolerance to fatigue, would seem to be a legal boondoggle to define. How would one go about defending themselves against such a charge? But individuals have differing tolerances to alcohol and they certainly created benchmarks for that situation. Looks like another goldmine for the attorneys is on the way. I can picture the ads for attorneys specializing in “drowsy driver” defense cases.

By: JD

JD — Tue, 02 Sep 2014 14:30:26 +0000

Also when the FHP pulls up behind you when you are trying to take a nap because you are tired will they write you a ticket?

By: paul

paul — Tue, 02 Sep 2014 13:14:56 +0000

Still waitin for them to do something about distracted driving.. Sit at any light during rush hour traffic and count the people who “THINK” they’re good enough to drive while texting or talking on their phones.. This really burns me up..More people are dying from distracted driving than feeling sleepy..

By: confused

confused — Tue, 02 Sep 2014 12:05:17 +0000

Simple question:

How does the FHP or any other LEO identify a drowsy driver vs texting driver vs DWI vs DUI?

I will hang up and listen.

By: ME

ME — Tue, 02 Sep 2014 06:58:33 +0000

The worst time to be on the road is between midnight and 6 a.m.