Quebec, May 28, 2009 – CAA-Quebec is cautioning motorists against using devices designed to keep them awake when they are driving while fatigued. These inexpensive products induce a false sense of security and can encourage motorists to drive beyond their limits.

“These gadgets cannot be trusted,” says Sophie Gagnon, CAA-Quebec’s Senior Director, Public and Government Relations. “In fact, they generally work by emitting a shrill noise when a driver’s head nods forward, but they do not go off if the eyes close or head falls backward.”

Fatigue and good judgment don’t go hand in hand
Slower reflexes, reduced attention span and warped judgment all result from driving with the faculties impaired by tiredness. Specialists are in agreement that the faculties of an overtired driver are as impaired as if he or she was intoxicated. The initial indications of drowsiness should be heeded: distorted vision, frequent yawning, difficulty keeping the eyes open, etc. In such situations, devices designed to keep a motorist awake are obviously ineffective.

Unnecessary
CAA-Quebec advises against the use of such devices and urges that they never be used as a solution for the problem of driving with the faculties diminished by fatigue. It recommends that drivers who feel they are beginning to be less alert simply pull their vehicle over in a safe location to rest and stretch before resuming their trip.

According to the SAAQ, driving while tired was a determining factor in about 23% of fatal accidents and 20% of accidents with injuries on Quebec roads between 2003 and 2006.

CAA-Quebec, a not-for-profit organization, provides its one million members with automotive, travel, residential and financial services and privileges, including a Drive-You-Home service in case of temporary ability to take the wheel.