Dangers of Drowsy Driving

Over the past several decades, both government agencies and non-governmental organizations have launched numerous campaigns to warn the American public of the dangers of drunk driving. Such efforts have been both successful and extremely worthwhile- drunk driving fatalities have decreased by 36% from 1991 to 2021, and by nearly 70% for those under the age of 21. While Americans are now acutely aware of the dangers of drunk driving, there is another danger posed to motorists and pedestrians that does not receive nearly enough attention: drowsy driving.

Driving while sleep-deprived has been shown to have a similar effect as driving while under the influence of alcohol. Both drunk and drowsy driving slow reaction times and affect alertness and decision-making. According to the National Safety Council (NSC), drivers who have been awake for 18 straight hours operate their vehicles with the same proficiency as those with a .05 blood alcohol content (BAC). After 20 hours of being awake, drivers are impaired on a level comparable to those with a .08 BAC (the legal limit in Connecticut). After 24 hours of being awake, impairment is equivalent to those with a .1 BAC. According to the NSC, you are three times more likely to be in a car crash if you are fatigued.

Sadly, the statistics bear out both the prevalence and dangers of drowsy driving. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports that there are approximately 100,000 police-reported drowsy driving crashes every year. NHTSA estimates that these crashes cause 50,000 injuries and 800 fatalities. While NHTSA’s estimates are certainly not insignificant, there is reason to believe that the true numbers are actually much higher. According to the AAA Foundation for Traffic Study, there are approximately 328,000 drowsy driving crashes per year, resulting in 109,000 injuries, and 6,400 fatalities.

A host of factors arguably make drowsy driving more difficult to avoid than drunk driving. Health issues as well as work and family obligations are among the numerous legitimate reasons why many people are not getting enough sleep. Nonetheless, mitigating the harmful effects of drowsy driving cannot happen until the public fully comprehends the scope of the problem. Hopefully, persuasive public safety campaigns will address the dangers of drowsy driving in the years to come.