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R E S O L U T I O N
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WHEREAS, Drowsy driving is estimated by the National Highway |
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Traffic Safety Administration to cause about 100,000 |
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police-reported crashes every year, resulting in tremendous |
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financial costs, numerous injuries, and great loss of life; and |
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WHEREAS, Those at particular risk of drowsy driving or |
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falling asleep at the wheel include young men, shift workers and |
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those who work long hours, commercial drivers, people with |
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undiagnosed and untreated sleep disorders such as sleep apnea, |
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business travelers, and those on sedating medications; however, |
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drowsy driving can affect anyone, especially those who have not |
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gotten a good night's sleep; and |
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WHEREAS, According to a 2005 poll commissioned by the |
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National Sleep Foundation, more than one-third of respondents said |
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they have fallen asleep while driving at least once; also, less than |
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half of Americans claim to get a good night's sleep every night; and |
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WHEREAS, The goal of Drowsy Driving Prevention Week, an |
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initiative organized by the National Sleep Foundation, is to |
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encourage drivers to "Drive Alert, Arrive Alive"; the organization |
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suggests that drivers get a full night's sleep, plan to make long |
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drives with a companion, schedule regular stops, and avoid alcohol |
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and medications that may cause sleepiness; and |
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WHEREAS, The Lone Star State will benefit from greater |
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numbers of drivers who understand the dangers of drowsy driving and |
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continue to address this problem that threatens all who use our |
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streets and highways; now, therefore, be it |
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RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 83rd Texas |
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Legislature hereby recognize November 6-12, 2013, as Drowsy Driving |
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Prevention Week in Texas and urge all members of the motoring public |
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to support this worthwhile event. |