Drowsy Driving Persuasive Speech Essay

Hello, today I would like to start off by telling you a story. Three years ago on a trip coming back from Hot Springs, my friend and I were in a car accident. My friend had dozed off, and when I looked up to see what was going on we were in the other lane. We swerved out of the way but still hit the vehicle in front of us. I sustained a broken right leg and two dislocated fingers. My friend and the other driver sustained only minor injuries. I now have a titanium rod in my leg and can’t run long distances. This is something that happens too often. How often have you gotten off work after going to school and taking care of all the daily things that are necessary and you were exhausted? Two or three times a week, maybe more? All of us have things that make us tired. Drowsy driving is dangerous, but it is something preventable. Today, I would like to convince you to not drive while drowsy by stating the problems/dangers of driving while

drowsy, listing possible solutions to combat the problems, and showing you positive ways to get involved in preventing drowsy driving.
To start with, I will address the hazards involved with tired driving. It not only affects you but it also could hurt others around you. Motor vehicle accidents involving tired driving can cause property damage and possible financial trouble. Driving while sleepy causes the person to have decreased reaction times, decreases attention to the road and makes them less likely to make good decisions. As stated by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, “there could be as many as 1.2 million crashes, 8,000 lives lost, and 500,000 injuries due to drowsy driving each year.” The most common reason for the crashes is that individuals are too tired to drive safely and won’t get a ride instead of driving. Most of the crashes occur between midnight and four a.m., or in the late afternoon which is the time that most people would naturally sleep. The dangers of drowsy driving are many but preventable.
Next, I will talk about strategies to reduce the issues associated with drowsy driving.

The warning signs of drowsy driving are a way to understand and prevent it. The signs are: Yawning or blinking, hitting the rumble strip on the side of the road, not being able to remember the last few hours, or even missing your exit. If you experience any of these signs, stop and rest or change drivers. Another good strategy to avoid getting sleepy is to get at least 7 to 8 hours sleep every night. If you are going on a long trip sleep well the night before. If you use medications that drowsiness is a side effect of use public transportation or get a ride from friends or family instead. You should try stopping and walking around or drinking a cup of coffee as this can stop drowsiness for a short time. You should have a buddy to talk to and to be able to switch out with while driving. Also, be aware of how much quality sleep that you and your family receive. The best way to avoid driving sleepy is to get enough sleep and be vigilant while

driving.
Finally, I will talk about ways to get involved with preventing drowsy driving in your community. The National Sleep Foundation has declared the first week in November as Drowsy Driving Prevention week. This is to bring awareness to the problem of drowsy driving and possibly save lives. Educate your family and friends about the dangers of drowsy driving. Give them helpful hints to help them when they are driving. Take a personal pledge against driving drowsy and ask you family to take the pledge. Make sure that you and your family always call home when they arrive safely at their destination. The National Sleep Foundation has developed a kit to help schools, individuals, and businesses address this problem. You can contact them at the National Sleep Foundation website to obtain the kit. The goal of preventing drowsy driving is any easy one with practice and forethought.
In summary, I have talked about my accident involving drowsy driving and have shown how anyone could have it happen to them. I have shown you the hazards of drowsy driving, given you possible solution to the problems, and illustrated good ways to get involved with preventing drowsy driving. I hope that this information has given you pause to think about the implications of drowsy driving and help to prevent you or one of your loved ones from being involved in a related accident.