Michael Misch and his Mom Valerie
GREAT HANG UP- Michael Misch's best friend was driving home from a concert when he fell asleep two exits from home. Since that night, the Pollock Pines man and his mother have been dealing with the consequences of drowsy driving.
Misch suffered major head injuries in an accident resulting from the wreck. But Misch turned a tragically negative situation into a positive outlet.
Following a brutally long recovery process, Misch became a spokesman for the group P.A.R.T.Y (Prevent Alcohol and Risk-Related Trauma in Youth) to encourage teens and drivers to make safe choices when driving.
Misch will next speak for PARTY February 10th. Prior to his speech, the program will present a simulation on what it's like to live with a traumatic brain injury.
The Office of Traffic Safety says male adults up to age 29 are most at risk for drowsy-driving related accidents. They also claim as we age, mid-afternoon can be the most dangerous time of the day to operate a vehicle.
The federal government says a 20 minute nap can be a short term-fix, but nothing compares to a solid night's sleep. The NHTSA's study also found employers can help by providing night workers a nap period and adjust shifts.
We asked you if you have driven drowsy on our News10 facebook page and many said yes.
Nova says "We are a sleep deprived nation."
Dereke says he "feel asleep at the wheel and totaled a company truck."
Jill said she "was hit by a driver who feel asleep at the wheel..."
Jocelyn writes "we need cars to drive themselves and then we can sleep all we want."
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