During the Memorial Day weekend alone, the National Safety Council (NSC) predicts that nearly 500 people will die in auto crashes, and more than 26,000 people will suffer nonfatal disabling injuries.  Unfortunately, many of these deaths and injuries will be attributed to drowsy driving.

Sleep deprivation is a problem that is carrying over from the bedroom to U.S. roads.  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.  Drive Revived�, a program from Baymont Inns & Suites, aims to help travelers better understand the warning signs in an effort to prevent falling asleep at the wheel.

As part of the Drive Revived program, weary travelers can stop in for a quick break at any of Baymont Inns & Suites� more than 180 properties nationwide before continuing on their way.  The hotels provide free coffee and bottled water 24 hours a day to anyone who stops, regardless of whether they stay the night.  For drivers who are too tired to continue, a special walk-in �Drive Revived� room rate (subject to availability) is offered to help them rest up before getting back behind the wheel.

The Problem

�British researchers have discovered that extreme sleep deprivation impairs brain function similar to that found in people with a blood alcohol content of .10,� said Courtney Caldwell, automotive and travel safety expert from American Woman Road & Travel.  �While drunk driving is a very serious problem, drowsy driving can be equally devastating and is something about which travelers need to be aware.  As Memorial Day and the upcoming summer travel months approach, it�s important for travelers to get adequate sleep to help them arrive to their destinations safely, whether it�s across town or across the country.�

According to the NSC, the human body often compensates for a lack of sleep by taking �micro sleeps�.  These tiny naps last only a few seconds but can have deadly results; a car going 55 mph can travel more than the length of a football field during a four-second nap.

�Hectic schedules can put something as important as sleep on the backburner,� said Caldwell.  �Drive Revived not only addresses the issue of drowsy driving, but offers American motorists a solution to help reduce the number of drowsy driving accidents.�

Who�s At Risk?

Because sleep is a necessary and often uncontrollable function, all drivers are susceptible to falling asleep at the wheel (especially those with untreated sleep disorders) � not just commercial truck drivers, which is a common misconception.  In fact, the Journal of the American Medical Association reports that approximately 96 percent of sleep-related crashes involve passenger vehicle drivers; only three percent involve drivers of large trucks.

Sleep loss, repetitive driving patterns, sedating medications and alcohol also are leading factors in sleep-related accidents.

Prevention

Drive Revived places a heavy emphasis on providing travelers with the information they need to prevent drowsy driving related accidents.  Tip sheets are available at all Baymont Inns & Suites and at www.DriveRevived.com.  Some of the most common ways to prevent drowsy driving include:

• Planning ahead for sufficient, quality sleep
• Avoiding alcohol, even in small amounts
• Driving with another person awake in the vehicle
• Avoiding driving between midnight and 6 a.m.
• Taking frequent breaks and 15- to 20-minute naps as needed
• Consuming caffeine equivalent to two cups of coffee

Headquartered in Milwaukee, Wis., Baymont Inns & Suites, a mid-priced lodging chain that operates or franchises 183 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, visit www.baymontinns.com.