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Video footage of everyday drivers from over 700 crashes was used in a recent in-depth drowsy driving research study. In over 700 crashes the researchers found that the percentage of crashes involving drowsiness was close to 8 times higher than federal estimates, says the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety. 

Actual video of drivers’ faces in the three minutes leading up to a crash were studied. AAA used a scientific measure linking the percentage of time a person’s eyes were closed to his/her level of drowsiness. Although federal estimates indicate drowsiness is a factor in only 1 to 2 percent of crashes, this study determined that 9.5 percent of all crashes and 10.8 percent of crashes resulting in significant property damage involved drowsiness. 

“Drowsy driving is a bigger traffic safety issue than federal estimates show,” said Dr. David Yang, executive director for the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety. “Drivers who don’t get enough sleep are putting everyone on the road at risk. By conducting an in-depth analysis using video of everyday drivers, we can now better assess if a driver was fatigued in the moments leading up to a crash.” 

The NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) agrees. “Drowsy driving causes more than 100,000 crashes a year, resulting in 40,000 injuries and 1,550 deaths, and the issue’s underreported.” 

Drowsy driving is as risky as driving under the influence of alcohol. 

Drivers who are drowsy do not often realize it, but when they do not get enough sleep, the level of alertness and performance decreases. Reaction times are slower, and decisions are more difficult. Coordination and memory are also affected. Experts agree that being drowsy behind the wheel is much like the effects of alcohol. Losing just a few hours of sleep, studies show, can impair a driver’s ability to drive. 

Are laws in place regarding drowsy driving? 

Just two states, New Jersey and Arkansas, have legislation that expressly addresses drowsy-driving motorists who subsequently injure or kill another person. 

There are restrictions in 49 states and the District of Columbia limiting teens from driving after dark, from sundown to sunset, through their GDL (Graduated Driver License) programs. 

Every state but one does impose licensing limits on motorists who have special medical conditions; however, sleep disorders are included in only 12 states’ laws.

The GHSA (Governors’ Highway Safety Administration) reports that commercial motor vehicle operators must comply with federally mandated Hours of Services (HOS) regulations. 

Driver assistance technology can help reduce drowsy driving risks. 

The sophistication of new vehicles equipped with ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance Systems), are capable of reducing accident risks. Lane departure warning systems alert drivers to potential problems as do automatic braking systems. 

NBC News reported that despite technology assistance, drowsy driving still poses a major highway hazard. 

How do we prevent drowsy driving? 

Everyone agrees that alerting devices only reveal the problem. They do not solve the problem. 

The three best ways to prevent drowsy driving involve behavior choices, says the Sleep Center at UCLA. 

1. Make sure you get a good night's sleep before driving.
2. Pull off the road and get some sleep when you are feeling tired. 
3. Avoid alcohol and medications that can make you tired.  

“If you or a loved one has been injured in an accident involving a drowsy driver, contact the experienced attorneys at Spivey Law Firm, Personal Injury Attorneys, P.A. to determine your rights,” says Attorney Randall Spivey, Fort Myers Car Accident Attorney.

Fort Myers Car Accident Attorney, Randall L. Spivey is a Board Certified Trial Attorney – the highest recognition for competence bestowed by the Florida Bar and a distinction earned by just one (1%) percent of Florida attorneys.  He has handled over 2,000 personal injury and wrongful death cases throughout Florida.  For a free and confidential consultation to discuss your legal rights, contact the Spivey Law Firm, Personal Injury Attorneys, P.A., in Lee County at 239.337.7483 or toll free at 1.888.477.4839,or by email to Randall@SpiveyLaw.com.  Visit SpiveyLaw.com for more information.  You can contact Spivey Law Firm, Personal Injury Attorneys, P.A.in Charlotte County at 941.764.7748 and in Collier County 239.793.7748.