LOS ANGELES, Jan. 3, 2013 /PRNewswire-iReach/ -- The Sacramento Bee reports that, in honor of Drowsy Driving Prevention Week®, the National Sleep Foundation and the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety are spreading the word about a recent survey, which indicates that young drivers are more likely to operate a motor vehicle when they are tired. Michael Cerrusi, owner of Cerrusi Driving School and highly regarded driving instructor, encourages families to educate their teenagers about the dangers of driving while drowsy.

The article asserts that "one in seven licensed drivers ages 16 – 24 admitted to having nodded off at least once while driving in the past year as compared to one in ten of all licensed drivers who confessed to falling asleep during the same period."

Driving while drowsy, and subsequently falling asleep at the wheel, is extremely dangerous to both the driver in question and other motorists on the road. An accident caused by tired drivers has the potential to result in fatal consequences—and Michael Cerrusi believes that educating teenage drivers about this issue is the best way to keep it from getting worse. David Cloud, CEO of the National Sleep Foundation, agrees.

"Young Americans are sleepy, and this affects their health and safety," Cloud comments. "It's important to get the word out that it's dangerous to drive drowsy. This could save thousands of lives."

"I always teach my students to pull over when they get tired," Cerrusi remarks. "Whether they need to take a break to wake up and finish a short trip or, if they are traveling a long distance, they need to stop at a hotel and finish the journey the next day, the extra effort is definitely worth it. Young drivers frequently fail to realize that, when sitting behind the wheel, their lives are constantly at risk."

Cerrusi goes on to explain that drivers can avoid taking to the road when they are sleepy. He encourages his students to stop and drink a caffeinated beverage if they start to feel drowsy while driving. Additionally, he explains that driving during the time of day at which they are most alert helps.

"If a driver knows they are a morning person, it's a good idea to get an early start," Cerrusi explains. "But if they are more of a night owl, waiting until later in the day could actually help them stay awake, as their travel plans aren't throwing off their natural rhythm."

ABOUT:

Founded by Michael Cerrusi in 1998, Cerrusi Driving School provides a wide range of students with the instruction they need to improve their basic and defensive driving skills. With 20 employees, the organization is able to offer a comprehensive education regarding the importance of road safety and the dangers of drunk driving. Michael Cerrusi and his team are dedicated to offering the best in instruction while explaining why safety is important when on the road. Michael Cerrusi is happy to provide services that keep drivers secure as they travel.

James Nolan Mark-PR.com, (678) 685-8304, mark@mark-pr.com

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SOURCE Cerrusi Driving School