Prioritize Staying Awake on the Road as Much as Sober Driving, Advocates National Sleep Foundation
Drowsy driving is a significant yet underrecognized danger on American roads, with experts comparing its impact on road safety to that of driving under the influence of alcohol. According to the National Sleep Foundation (NSF), Americans are less likely to avoid driving when tired than when they've had a few drinks.
Recent findings show that approximately 1 in 25 adult drivers report having fallen asleep while driving in the past month. Research indicates that being awake for 18 hours straight impairs driving ability similar to a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.05%, rising to BAC 0.10% after 24 hours awake, exceeding the legal intoxication limit of 0.08%.
Drowsy driving causes around one-fifth of all fatal crashes and accounts for 10% of all crashes leading to hospitalization in the U.S., according to AAA and NSF data. These incidents result in over 300,000 police-reported incidents, 100,000 injuries, and 6,400 deaths in the U.S. each year.
Drunk driving still causes about 12,000 deaths annually in the U.S., accounting for nearly one-third of all traffic fatalities. The highest risk groups are men aged 18-34, especially at night, when impaired crash rates are three times higher than daytime. However, drowsy driving remains less addressed legally and socially because fatigue is harder to detect and measure post-crash.
To combat this issue, awareness campaigns and prevention programs have been implemented in some states. For instance, funding has supported public awareness campaigns, engagement with high-risk groups like young adults, and law enforcement training to recognize drowsiness-related impairment.
During Drowsy Driving Prevention Week, taking place from November 3-9, the National Sleep Foundation (NSF) and its partners, including Waymo and MADD, are urging drivers to prioritize rest. They advise drivers to know the signs of drowsiness, such as frequent blinking or trouble staying in their lane. They also suggest traveling with an awake companion and scheduling regular rest breaks every 100 miles or two hours on long trips.
Dr. Joseph Dzierzewski, NSF's Senior VP of Research, emphasized that driving on a few hours of sleep is similar to driving after a few drinks. He urged Americans to plan for safe travel when tired, suggesting alternatives like rideshares or calling friends.
NSF CEO John Lopos emphasized the importance of getting the recommended 7-9 hours of sleep for adults or 8-10 hours for teens for safe driving. He also highlighted that fewer adults urge others to avoid driving when too tired compared to discouraging a friend from driving drunk.
The NSF provides resources on drowsy driving prevention at www.theNSF.org. They are using the hashtag #SleepFirst to spread awareness about drowsy driving prevention during Drowsy Driving Prevention Week. They also advocate for drivers to prioritize rest and to be aware of the risks associated with drowsy driving. Nearly 60% of drivers admit they've driven while too tired to keep their eyes open, a concerning statistic that underscores the need for increased awareness and prevention efforts.
References:
- NSF (2021). Drowsy Driving: Understanding the Risks and Preventing Crashes.
- AAA (2020). Drowsy Driving and Safety.
- FHWA (2019). Drowsy Driving.
- NHTSA (2019). Traffic Safety Facts: Alcohol-Impaired Driving.
- CDC (2019). Impaired Driving: Get the Facts.
Science has shown that being awake for extended periods can impair driving ability, similar to driving under the influence of alcohol, with studies indicating that driving after 18 hours without sleep is comparable to a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.05%. (Science, sleep, health-and-wellness)
The transportation industry, along with health-and-wellness advocates, has recognized the significant danger posed by drowsy driving, as it is responsible for one-fifth of all fatal crashes and approximately 100,000 injuries annually. (transportation, science, health-and-wellness)
To combat this issue, financial support has been allocated towards awareness campaigns, engagement with high-risk groups, and law enforcement training in some states, urging drivers to prioritize rest and take regular breaks. (finance, health-and-wellness, industry)
