New Report Highlights Dangers of Drowsy Driving

Posted On: 08-12-2016

A new report published through the Governors Highway Safety Association (GHSA) highlights the rate that drowsy driving contributes to fatal crashes, along with the annual cost of these crashes to society.

It is estimated that almost 84 million sleep-deprived individuals in the country drive each day. Driving drowsy was a contributing factor in crashes that resulted in 5,000 deaths last year. Although the extent of drowsy driving is not fully known, it is estimated to cause about 20 percent of all car crash fatalities.

The annual cost to society of these types of crashes is about $109 billion, and this does not include property damage.

The latest data has resulted in the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Association expanding the definition of impaired driving to include drowsy driving (it already encompassed drunken, drugged, and distracted driving).

Part of the challenge is that it is hard for law enforcement officers to be trained in recognizing drowsy driving on the road. And if a tired driver causes an accident, they may not report the cause of their distraction due to fear of being penalized.

Teenagers, young adults, those with sleep disorders, and individuals who work long shifts or night shifts are more likely to drive while drowsy.

The report’s author, Pam Fischer, indicates that Americans need to change how they view sleep. It is just as important as eating right and exercise when it comes to health. The new report emphasizes that everyone in the public will need to work together to recognize how serious drowsy driving is for society.

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