Drowsy Driving is a ‘Significant Threat’ on the Roads, says AAA

More than one in four drivers (28 percent) reported being “so tired they had a hard time keeping their eyes open while driving in the past month,” according to new data from the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety.

Young drivers (19 to 24 years old) were most likely to report driving “dangerously drowsy,” said AAA, which highlighted the risks of drowsy driving in support of the National Sleep Foundation’s Drowsy Driving Prevention Week, which runs Nov. 3-10. 

“Drowsy driving remains a significant threat to the motoring public, with many drivers underestimating the problem of driving while extremely tired, and overestimating their ability to deal with it,” said Lloyd P. Albert, AAA Southern New England Senior Vice President of Public and Government Affairs. “Driving while fatigued is dangerous because it slows reaction time, impairs vision and causes lapses in judgment, similar to driving drunk. We know that people can’t reliably predict when they are going to fall asleep, and a very fatigued driver may fall asleep for several seconds without even realizing it.”

AAA estimated that 17 percent of fatal crashes, 13 percent of crashes resulting in hospitalization and 7 percent of all crashes requiring a tow involve a drowsy driver.

AAA gave these warnings signs that may signify drowsiness while driving:

• The inability to recall the last few miles traveled
• Having disconnected or wandering thoughts
• Having difficulty focusing or keeping your eyes open
• Feeling as though your head is very heavy
• Drifting out of your driving lane, perhaps driving on the rumble strips
• Yawning repeatedly
• Accidentally tailgating other vehicles
• Missing traffic signs 

AAA gives these tips to remain alert and be safer behind the wheel:

• Get plenty of sleep (at least seven hours), especially the night before a long drive
• Drive at times when you are normally awake
• Schedule a break every two hours or every 100 miles
• Avoid heavy foods
• Travel with an alert passenger and take turns driving
• Avoid medications that cause drowsiness or other impairment
• Consult with a sleep specialist or other medical professional if you have trouble getting enough rest or are chronically fatigued