Steer Clear of Sleepy Driving Just as you would Steer Clear of Drunk Driving, According to the National Sleep Foundation
The Dangerous Reality of Drowsy Driving
In the United States, drowsy driving is a prevalent and potentially deadly issue that receives far less public attention and legal enforcement compared to driving under the influence of alcohol. According to the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety, drowsy driving causes approximately 328,000 crashes annually, including 6,400 fatalities.
This alarming statistic is comparable to the number of traffic fatalities involving drunk driving with a BAC of 0.08 or higher, which results in more than 12,000 deaths annually, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).
Research indicates that being awake for 18 hours impairs driving ability to a degree comparable to a 0.05% blood alcohol concentration (BAC), and after 24 hours without sleep, impairment is equivalent to a BAC of 0.10%, exceeding the legal limit for alcohol in all states. Both drowsy and drunk driving reduce reaction time, judgment, coordination, and attention, and both increase risky behaviors on the road.
However, drowsy driving is more difficult to detect and quantify in accidents because there is no equivalent of a breathalyzer test for fatigue, leading to underreporting. Public attitudes also differ, with drunk driving being widely recognized as illegal and socially unacceptable, while drowsy driving lacks comparable awareness, stigma, and targeted enforcement.
The National Sleep Foundation (NSF) is working diligently to combat this issue. NSF CEO John Lopos states, "Being awake and alert is as crucial to safe driving as staying sober." To encourage awareness, the NSF and its partners, including Waymo and MADD, are promoting the use of the hashtag #SleepFirst this week.
The NSF provides resources for drowsy driving prevention on its website, www.theNSF.org. They advise traveling with an awake companion on long trips and scheduling regular rest breaks every 100 miles or two hours. They also suggest being aware of the signs of drowsiness, such as frequent blinking or trouble staying in your lane.
NSF CEO John Lopos emphasizes the importance of getting the recommended 7-9 hours of sleep for adults and 8-10 hours for teens of driving age. The NSF, along with Waymo and MADD, urges drivers to prioritize rest.
In a joint effort to combat drowsy driving, the NSF and its partners are urging everyone to take the findings about drowsy driving seriously. They are working together to raise awareness and promote the importance of prioritizing sleep for safe driving.
- The National Sleep Foundation (NSF) advocates that being awake and alert is as crucial to safe driving as staying sober, comparable to the effects of a BAC of 0.05%, indicating that lack of sleep can impair driving abilities significantly.
- In an attempt to combat drowsy driving and promote health-and-wellness, the NSF, Waymo, and MADD are encouraging drivers to prioritize sleep, suggesting measures such as traveling with an awake companion, regular rest breaks, and being aware of drowsiness signs, like frequent blinking or trouble staying in your lane.
