Quebec coroner compares driving drowsy to driving drunk

A Quebec coroner is calling for moresevere regulations concerning people who drive while fatigued.

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CoronerQuoc-BaoDo equated driving while drowsy with driving under the influence and said drivers should be subject to similarhefty fines and penalties.

In addition, Do made two recommendations based on a three-year investigation into a February 2011 collision that killed five men in the Lanaudire region.

The coroner'srecommendations are:

• Heighten theawareness campaign by the SAAQ (Quebec's automobile insurance board) aboutthe dangers of driving while fatigued.
• Post signs along Quebec's highways reminding drivers to stop for rest breaks and warning them about the deadly risk of driving while drowsy.

Report based on 2011 collision

The 2011 crash happened at a sharp junction, whereHighway 345 intersects with Highway 158.

The men, farm workers who were returning home after work,died when their van collided with a school bus carrying children.

Do concluded the driver's fatigued or drowsy state ultimatelycaused the collision.

In his report, the coroner made no mention of the intersection beingwell-known as a dangerous spot.Asecond fatal crash occurred at thesame intersection six monthsafter the February 2011 crash.

In 2012, Quebec's automobile insurance board (SAAQ) launched an advertising campaign to prompt drowsy drivers to rest before getting behind the wheel.

• Province launches campaign against drowsy driving

According to the SAAQ, an average of 116 people diewhile driving each year owing to fatigue andnearly 10,000 more are injured.