To the editor:
Driving while sleep deprived is similar to driving while under the influence of alcohol or other depressant drugs. Sleep deprivation affects reaction time and judgment of a motor vehicle operator, creating a hazard for everyone on the road.
I am quite concerned about the plans of the Lawrence police officer to ride his motorcycle 7,000 miles in 10 days next June. According to your front-page article on Monday, Nov. 16, Detective Carlos Vieira "will ride 18-20 hours a day, and sleep during the warmest part of the day, from noon to 2:00 p.m.."
This schedule would place him and other travelers in danger, during the peak highway travel season of summer, "through 62 mountain ranges, 33 Indian Reservations, 26 National Parks, eight deserts and four swamps." I encourage him and his supporters to reconsider, so that this event to raise money for several veterans' charities has the greatest chance of success and safety.
Whether or not he intends to be, Mr. Vieira is a role model. Your article is part of that. It does not note who is organizing this event, endorsing the event or what safety guidelines will be enforced for the protection of all those on or near the roads. As it stands, it sounds a little like Canon Ball Run.
Helen Pickard
North Andover
