GMAC: 130 Million Licensed Americans Disregard Dangers of Driving While Tired

Drowsy Drivers on the Roadways: Study Shows Americans Acknowledge Dangers, but Admit to Unsafe Behaviors on Road Trips

ST. LOUIS, June 28, 2007 -- Results from a GMAC Insurance study announced today indicate Americans have a profound disconnect when it comes to the dangers of driving while fatigued. The GMAC Insurance study, which polled 5,175 licensed Americans from all 50 states and the District of Columbia, reports that 96% of drivers say they know that driving while tired is just as dangerous as driving while drunk. However, their actual behaviors indicate a direct contrast; 65 percent -- approximately 130 million Americans -- admit they would drive more than seven hours in one day alone when traveling without significant breaks.

The alarming results come as millions of Americans will be hitting the open road for the 4th of July holiday, which is also the deadliest driving day of the year, according to the Insurance Institute of Highway Safety (IIHS); July 3rd is the second deadliest day. Throughout the summer season, Americans will continue to add mileage on their odometers with longer road trips. The IIHS reports that the most miles are traveled in August than any other month.

"Everybody has their own personal threshold, but we believe that driving seven hours without significant breaks is pushing the limit," said Gary Kusumi, CEO and president, GMAC Insurance - Personal Lines. "And there's no question that driving while fatigued is dangerous. More than 100,000 crashes each year are caused by drivers falling asleep at the wheel."

Casey Mears, driver of the No. 25 National Guard/GMAC Chevrolet and recent winner of his first NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series race, said that staying alert is critical when driving any long distance. And lengthy treks are something Mears knows a thing or two about -- his first win came last month after driving 600 miles at Lowe's Motor Speedway in NASCAR's longest race of the year.

"When people hit the roads for long trips this summer, they really need to keep tabs on their level of fatigue," Mears said. "It doesn't pay to skimp on sleep, and coffee and cat naps are only a quick fix. Getting plenty of rest is one of the keys to staying safe and being at your best, whether you're driving down the interstate or making laps around the race track."

Mears offers the following tips to keep summer travel safe, fun, and full of great memories:

    * Plan Ahead -- The best way to make sure you're alert? Get proper rest
      ahead of time before setting off on your road trip.

    * Avoid alcohol -- Even the tiniest amount of alcohol can make you
      drowsy. If you'll be driving, avoid it all together.

    * Take a Buddy -- If possible, take a buddy along on long trips, so you
      can take turns driving.

    * Limit Driving After Midnight -- Avoid driving between midnight and six
      a.m., when you're most likely to feel fatigued.

    * Stop Driving -- If you feel drowsy, the safest thing to do is to pull
      over and stop driving. As soon as possible, drive to the closest safe
      resting spot, such as a motel or a friend's house, and catch up on
      your sleep.