Drowsy Driver Awareness Day

Drowsy Driver Awareness Day

Wednesday 13th December 2017

Press Release

This year’s New Zealand Drowsy Driver Awareness Day is a day for celebrating the AKILLA® drowsy driving educational campaign messages spreading to road users around the World.

This year we are celebrating the AKILLA campaign support of Somnomed who provide a sleep medical device to treats Sleep Apnea sufferers. Over 250,000 New Zealanders suffer from Sleep Apnea and if the condition remains untreated this can dramatically increase the risk of a drowsy driving crash by up to six times. Sleep Apnea is a serious medical condition, and if you suspect that you have it you should be assessed and treated at a sleep clinic (see our website for a list of both public and private locations.)

Remember to take regular breaks while driving, but if you experience any signs of drowsy driving, stop immediately and either swap drivers or take a 15 minute Power-nap (wait 10 minutes after the nap to make sure that you are fully awake before continuing with your journey). Remember, that “A 15 minute Powernap could save your life”. (see the Smartphone Android App by typing AKILLA into the search bar)

The AKILLA® drowsy driving educational campaign was set up to educate New Zealanders about the dangers of drowsy driving. The campaign was officially launched on May 31st 2005.The official campaign website is located at www.akilla.co.nz

The New Zealand Drowsy Driving Awareness Day – 13th December was announced at the New Zealand Parliament on the 13th December 2006.

Happy Christmas & Safe Driving

Martin S. Jenkins

New Zealand Sleep Safety Ltd

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