AAA study: Fatalities from driving drowsy are 10 times greater than reported
AAA study reveals fatalities from driving drowsy 10 times greater than reported
Research from the Automobile Association of America Foundation for Traffic Safety (The Automobile Club Group, AAA, Triple-A) reveals data from crash investigations and national fatal crashes indicate that the number of fatalities from driving drowsy is actually 10 times greater than reported.
“This study should be a wakeup call for drivers to not underestimate the dangers of drowsy driving,” said AAA spokesman Mark Jenkins. “Whether you’re driving to work or taking the family on a road trip, stay alert or get off the road.”
According to a recent press release, drowsy drivers accounted for almost 30,000 traffic fatalities between 2017 and 2021. The NHTSA traffic safety, sleep science, and public health communities agree that drowsy driving is being under recorded.
Triple A noted that driving drowsy reduces alertness, making it harder to react quickly to hazards.
“Just one hour less than the expert-recommended minimum of seven hours of sleep increases a driver’s risk of crashing,” the agency said in a news release.
Driving drowsy also leads to impaired judgment, which increases the risk of making mistakes.
“Those deprived of sleep by four or more hours have an impairment similar to those over the legal BAC (blood alcohol content),” the release says.
Hazardous microsleeps were also noted for causing momentary lapses in consciousness, leading to losing control of the vehicle and failing to respond to dangers on the road.
Triple A said that research shows drivers often underestimate how drowsy they are. Warning signs of drowsiness include frequent yawning or blinking; trouble remembering driving the past several miles; missing your exit; drifting from your lane; and bumping into a side road rumble strip.
According to the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, drivers most at risk include teen and young adults; those driving between midnight and 6 a.m.; late afternoon drivers; drivers lacking sleep; commercial truck drivers; drivers working nights or excessively long shifts; drivers with untreated sleep disorders; and anyone taking medicine that causes drowsiness.
Suggestions to avoid drowsy driving include getting at least seven hours of sleep every night; taking a 20-30-minute power nap; avoid driving when tired; if necessary, take a break during long trips; plan ahead for specific rest stops instead of trying to drive straight through; travel with an alert passenger and take turns driving; avoid eating heavy meals; and of course, avoid consuming alcohol and drugs.
This article originally appeared on St. Augustine Record: AAA study: Drowsy driving is dangerous and possibly deadly
