Drowsy Driving Prevention: Sleep First. Drive Alert.
Founded in 1990, the National Sleep Foundation is an independent nonprofit dedicated to improving health and well-being through sleep education and advocacy. Additional information on the National Sleep Foundation’s Drowsy Driving Prevention Week® can be found at www.theNSF.org.
Vehicles today are equipped with all types of safety features – from lane assistance to backup cameras to automatic braking systems. But the most important safety feature of the car is you – the driver. Each time you get behind the wheel of a vehicle, you commit to being a responsible and safe motorist for yourself and everyone else on the road.
November 3–9 marks Drowsy Driving Prevention Week. This annual campaign, led by National Sleep Foundation (NSF), raises awareness by educating the public on the dangers of drowsy driving and how to prevent it. Drowsy driving is impaired driving, just like drunk, drugged and distracted driving. While common, drowsy driving is also preventable.
According to data from NSF, drowsy driving is dangerously common. Six in 10 drivers (62%) reported getting behind the wheel while so tired that they had a hard time keeping their eyes open – that’s about 150 million US motorists. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, motor vehicle crashes related to drowsy driving account for roughly 20% of all accidents and an estimated 100,000 crashes each year.1,2 Some people at an increased risk for drowsy driving include young adults ages 21–34 and men.2
NSF assembled an expert panel to establish consensus guidelines that provide a clear definition of when an individual is categorically too sleep deprived to operate a motor vehicle. This consensus statement indicates that drivers who have slept for two hours or less in the preceding 24 hours are not fit to operate a motor vehicle.1,3 The guidelines further note that most healthy drivers would likely be impaired if they’ve had only three to five hours of sleep during the prior 24 hours.1,3
Additionally, teenagers are an at-risk group for drowsy driving. “Recent NSF data showed many teens, early in their driving experience, say they’ve already driven while drowsy. Overall, teens know the risks of drowsy driving but don’t think it’s as risky as other forms of impaired driving,” said Joseph Dzierzewski, PhD, senior vice president of research and scientific affairs at the National Sleep Foundation. “There’s a lot we can teach our young drivers about the importance of getting the sleep they need before they get behind the wheel.”
One study compared the effects of sleep deprivation and alcohol on performance.4 Results found that being awake for 17–19 hours is comparable to having a blood alcohol content of 0.05%. People were also found to have decreased reaction time and hand-eye coordination. After longer periods without sleep, performance reached levels equivalent to a blood alcohol content of 0.1%, suggesting that lack of sleep can severely impair a person’s ability to safely operate a vehicle.4
Drowsy driving can impact anyone, and it may present increased challenges for those with sleep-related conditions. Some medications can cause drowsiness, so talk to your doctor if you have this side effect from your medications. Watch for signs of excessive sleepiness, such as yawning repeatedly or difficulties focusing. To prevent accidents related to drowsy driving, try the following:5
- Get sufficient sleep on a daily basis. NSF recommends 7–9 hours for most adults and 8–10 hours for teenagers.
- Monitor yourself for common signs of drowsy driving, including heavy eyelids, frequent yawning, trouble maintaining lanes or distance, missed turns, and quick irritation with common occurrences (such as traffic).
- Use a rideshare service or ask a friend or family member to drive if you are concerned about your ability to safely operate your car.
- Stop driving and take a short nap if you are feeling tired.
- If possible, avoid driving between midnight and 6 am or 1–4 pm. Accidents related to drowsy driving are more likely to occur during these hours, as people experience a natural dip in their circadian rhythm.
- Avoid alcohol consumption before getting into a vehicle. Alcohol can increase sleepiness and impairment.
“At NSF, we’re dedicated to helping everyone prioritize their sleep for health and safety. Getting enough quality sleep to be your Best Slept Self is a critical factor in our ability to drive safely,” adds Dzierzewski.
As you navigate your busy life, don’t let the dangers of drowsy driving take a back seat. The NSF’s Drowsy Driving Prevention Week campaign slogan is “Sleep First. Drive Alert.TM” The best way to honor this motto is to prioritize the safety and well-being of yourself and everyone else on the road. Don’t hesitate to call a family member or friend or to use a ride-sharing service if you are questioning your ability to drive responsibly.
Sources
1. Breaking Report from the National Sleep Foundation Update on Drowsy Driving; 2022. https://www.thensf.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/National-Sleep-Foundation-Breaking-Report_Drowsy-Driving.pdf
2. Tefft, B.C. (2024). Drowsy Driving in Fatal Crashes, United States, 2017–2021 (Research Brief). Washington, D.C.: AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety.
3. Czeisler CA, Wickwire EM, Barger LK, et al. Sleep-deprived motor vehicle operators are unfit to drive: a multidisciplinary expert consensus statement on drowsy driving. Sleep Health. 2016;2(2):94-99. doi:10.1016/j.sleh.2016.04.003
4. Williamson AM, Feyer AM. Moderate sleep deprivation produces impairments in cognitive and motor performance equivalent to legally prescribed levels of alcohol intoxication. Occupational and Environmental Medicine. 2000;57(10):649-655. doi:10.1136/oem.57.10.649
5. Andrew Currin. NHTSA. NHTSA. Published September 8, 2016. https://www.nhtsa.gov/risky-driving/drowsy-driving