Assembly Resolution No. 707

BY: M. of A. Galef

MEMORIALIZING Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim
November 5-11, 2017, as Drowsy Driving Prevention
Week in the State of New York

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to recognize
official weeks that are set aside to increase awareness of serious
issues which affect the lives of citizens of New York State; and

WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to
memorialize Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim November 5-11, 2017, as
Drowsy Driving Prevention Week in the State of New York, in conjunction
with the observance of National Drowsy Driving Prevention Week; and

WHEREAS, Sleep deprivation and fatigue make lapses of attention more
likely to occur, and may play a role in behavior which can lead to
crashes attributed to other causes; and

WHEREAS, The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
estimates that 100,000 police-reported crashes are the direct result of
driver fatigue each year; this results in an estimated 1,550 deaths,
71,000 injuries, and billions in monetary losses; and

WHEREAS, It is difficult to attribute crashes to sleepiness since
there is no test to determine sleepiness, state reporting practices are
inconsistent and self-reporting is unreliable; and

WHEREAS, Sleep-related crashes are most common in young people,
particularly in men, adults with children and shift workers; adults
between 18-29 are more likely to drive while drowsy compared to other
age groups; and

WHEREAS, Furthermore, men are more likely than women to drive while
drowsy, adults with children in the household are more likely than those
without children and shift workers are more likely than those who work a
regular daytime schedule; and

WHEREAS, Before heading on the road, it is suggested to: get a good
night's sleep; plan to drive long trips with a companion; schedule
regular stops; avoid alcohol and medications; or consult physicians; and

WHEREAS, This Legislative Body recognizes the efforts of all those
who raise awareness and educate others about the very real dangers of
driving while drowsy, thereby improving the quality of all residing in
New York State; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
memorialize Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim November 5-11, 2017, as
Drowsy Driving Prevention Week in the State of New York; and be it
further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to The Honorable Andrew M. Cuomo.