New Baby? Less Sleep? Drowsy Driving Information for New Parents

Drowsy Driving Puts You, Your Baby and Others at Risk

New baby. You're exhausted. Getting enough sleep after bringing a new baby home can seem impossible. But getting enough sleep is essential.

Lack of sleep affects your mood and your ability to think, remember, learn and react quickly - a key to driving safely. In fact, driving when drowsy can put you, your baby and others in the road at risk for injury and even death if a crash happens.

There's no replacement for sleep.

But, I'm Just Tired, That's All

Find wasy to get as much sleep as you can. If you're too tired to drive, ask someone to help, take public transportation or reschedule your activities so you can arest first.

Tips to Help You Sleep Better

To improve how much and how well you sleep with a new baby, follow these steps:

Driving Tips

Warning Signs of Drowsy Driving

If any of the following signs occur, pull over in a safe rest area to take a nap or switch drivers:

  • Yawning repeatedly
  • Not being able to pay attention, keep eyes open or head raised
  • Not remembering the last few miles traveled
  • Having wandering or disconnected thoughts
  • Drifting out of the lane or hitting rumble strips

For more information on getting better sleep and drowsy driving visit these web sites:

  • www.sleepfoundation.org
  • www.drowsydriving.org
  • www.safeny.ny.gov
  • www.nhlbi.nih.gov/about/ncsdr/index.htm
  • www.aaafoundation.org
  • www.nhtsa.dot.gov

    • Funded by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) with a grant from the New York State Governor's Traffic Safety Committee.

    State of New york
    Eliot Spitzer, Governor
    Department of Health
    Richard F. Daines, M.D., Commissiioner

    Pub. 3100
    Ver. 8/07