One third of Americans admit to drowsy driving

Monday 12th November 2012

This week in America it is National Sleep Foundation's Drowsy Driving Prevention Week. It has been created to educate drivers across the country about sleep safety and remind drivers of the dangers of driving while they're tired.

The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration estimated than on average each year there are 100,000 known crashes caused by drowsy drivers. This has lead to 1,500 deaths and 71,000 injuries. The AAA Foundation found that 96% of American drivers believe it is unacceptable to be driving whilst being tired; however a third admitted doing it last year. The National Sleep Foundation's 2011 Sleep in America poll found that around one in ten 16-45 year old drivers reported being tired at the wheel.

The Drowsy Driving Prevention Week is to help drivers assess when they're too tired to drive and make sure they can prevent drowsy driving related crashes. National Sleep Foundation's Drowsy Driving Prevention Week continues through until the 18th of November.

Tags: sleep driving tired safety

Category: Sleep Research

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