“The loss of even an hour of sleep can have serious consequences behind the wheel,” said Michelle Anderson of the National Road Safety Foundation, a nonprofit focused on driver education. “Drowsy driving can be as dangerous as driving under the influence.”
The dangers of sleep-deprived driving are well documented. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, drowsy driving plays a role in more than 300,000 crashes annually, resulting in 109,000 injuries and economic losses exceeding $30 billion. The Governors Highway Safety Association estimates that on any given day, more than 83 million sleep-deprived Americans take to the road. Studies suggest that nearly two-thirds of drivers have operated a vehicle while fatigued, and more than a third admit to having fallen asleep at the wheel.
Fatigue can trigger “micro-sleeps”—brief, involuntary lapses in attention that last mere seconds. While the eyes may remain open, the brain momentarily fails to process visual information. At highway speeds, a vehicle can cover the length of a football field in the time it takes for a driver to blink off and on again, increasing the risk of veering into oncoming traffic or off the roadway. Unlike other crash scenarios, drowsy drivers often fail to take evasive action, leading to especially severe collisions.
Recognizing the Warning Signs
Experts advise drivers to watch for the following signs of fatigue:
- Difficulty focusing or frequent blinking
- Trouble remembering the last few miles driven
- Head nodding or repeated yawning
- Drifting out of lane, tailgating, or hitting rumble strips
Contrary to popular belief, common tactics like rolling down the windows or blasting music do little to combat drowsiness. Instead, Anderson recommends pulling over at a safe location for a short break. “A 20-minute nap can help restore alertness,” she said. “Pairing it with a cup of coffee or other caffeinated beverage can provide an extra boost, but it’s important to allow about 30 minutes for the caffeine to take effect.”
Additional information and resources, including a personal Sleep Diary, are available for free at www.nrsf.org/resources/drowsy-driving.
For more than six decades, the National Road Safety Foundation has worked to reduce traffic fatalities by promoting safe driving habits. The organization produces educational programs and public service campaigns addressing issues such as impaired and distracted driving, speed, aggression, and pedestrian safety. Its programs, which are free to the public, are used by schools, law enforcement agencies, and advocacy groups nationwide. More information can be found at www.nrsf.org.