Drowsy driving causes more than 100,000 police-reported crashes, 71,000 injuries and 1,550 deaths each year. But the problem may be more serious than we think.

Results from the 2005 Sleep in America poll indicate that 60% of America’s adults who drive or have a license report that, within the past year, they have driven a car or motor vehicle when feeling drowsy. This is a significant increase compared to results from recent years (51% in 2000, 53% in 2001, and 51% in 2002).
                                                 
n 4% of the respondents who drive or have a license have had an accident or near accident in the past year because of dozing off or being too tired while driving.

n Among these respondents, 29% report having had an accident or near accident at least once a month in the past year.

n 37% of the respondents who drive or have a license report that they have nodded off or fallen asleep while driving a vehicle, even just for a brief moment.

n Among these respondents, 13% say they have done so at least once a month.
                                              
"With more and more people admitting to driving drowsy, there's a good chance you will be on the road near someone who is sleepy, and is a danger to themselves and others. Drowsy driving has become a major public safety issue," says Richard L. Gelula, NSF's chief executive officer. "When you get behind the wheel of a vehicle, whether it is for a short drive or a longer excursion, make sure you are fully awake and alert. Remember NSF's drowsy driving campaign theme – drive alert, arrive alive," Gelula adds.


Signs of Drowsy Driving

"There are definite warning signs of drowsiness that drivers should be aware of," says Gelula. "When you feel your eyelids begin to droop, feel the need to roll down the window or turn up the radio, you are yawning a lot and have trouble focusing your vision, then you know you need to pull off the road in a safe area and take a nap."

Gelula notes that caffeine promotes short-term alertness, but takes about 30 minutes to begin working if taken in liquid form, and its effect is diminished if the user regularly consumes caffeine. "If you drink a caffeinated beverage, it's a good idea to take a nap while you wait for the caffeine to kick in," he says.

Unfortunately, many drivers don't take the time to pull over and nap when they become drowsy. Rather, they continue the trip, hoping they can overcome it and arrive on schedule. Many fail to recognize other warning signs of drowsy driving that include trouble remembering the last few miles driven, missing exits or traffic signs, drifting from the lane or tailgating and daydreaming.


Before Getting Behind the Wheel, NSF Recommends the Following Tips to Stay Alert:

n Get a good night's sleep. While this varies from individual to individual, sleep experts recommend between 7-9 hours of sleep per night.

n Drive with a companion. Passengers can help look for early warning signs of fatigue or switch drivers when needed.

n Passengers should stay awake to talk to the driver.

n Allow time for breaks every 100 miles or 2 hours.

n Avoid alcohol and medications (over-the-counter and prescribed) that may impair performance. Alcohol interacts with fatigue, increasing its effects -- just like drinking on an empty stomach.

n Avoid driving during or close to times you would normally sleep, especially overnight. Natural sleep rhythms create more sleepiness at these times.