Put Sleep Health in the Driver’s Seat

(NewsUSA) -

Did you know it’s estimated that more than 145 million U.S. adults (61%) have driven while drowsy at least once, and nearly 35 million do so monthly? For many, insufficient sleep from lots of different causes can increase drowsy driving risk, so it’s crucial to prioritize sleep and recognize when you’re not at your best to drive.

A fall-asleep crash can kill you or someone else in an instant. Four in 10 adults fail to recognize the basic warning signs of drowsy driving. That translates to about 108 million people in the U.S. These findings show a critical knowledge gap and emphasize that drivers need to recognize their bodies’ warning signs before it’s too late.

The National Sleep Foundation produces Drowsy Driving Prevention Week®, an annual campaign that educates the public about the importance of sleep for safe driving and helps drivers Sleep First. Drive Alert.® Preventing drowsy driving starts with the choices we make before getting behind the wheel, like prioritizing the sleep we need. These simple habits can help you, your family, and friends recognize the risks and make safer decisions on every drive.

Can New Technology Support Sleepy Drivers?

So, are systems that support driver safety already in many cars? Yes, the automotive industry keeps moving forward with innovative driver-alertness technologies. They’re also designed to detect signs of sleepiness and fatigue, support drivers, and are intended to help prevent drowsy driving before it leads to a crash. Agreement with these safety measures is growing among everyday drivers, with an estimated 91 million U.S. adult drivers backing requirements for alertness technology in all new vehicles. A similar number of people favor including sleep and drowsy-driving education in driver licensing.

Although awareness of these systems isn’t low, with 58% of adults familiar with driver-alertness monitoring, only 31% have ever used the technology. That means there’s a big opportunity to increase understanding, access, and adoption. As automakers continue to develop and integrate these features that can help support drivers by detecting signs of sleepiness, it’s important to reassure consumers about any concerns, particularly since 62% of adults worry that data collected by alertness-monitoring systems could be misused. Combining advanced technology with public education and data privacy protections can continue to help build trust in technology that’s designed to keep roads safer for everyone.

Driving Towards a Safer Future

Warning signs of drowsy driving are often overlooked. If a driver doesn’t know them, they can put themselves and others on the road at risk. Basic warning signs include frequent blinking, nodding, difficulty keeping your eyes open, and drifting out of your lane. Recognizing these signals early is important because drowsiness can slow reaction times and increase the risk of a crash. If drivers notice any of these warning signs, they should pull over to a safe place and take a break before continuing their journey.

Sleep First. Drive Alert.®

Remember, the first and best step we can take to be alert behind the wheel is to get the sleep we need. When warning signs of drowsy driving or other risk factors are present, the safest decision is not to drive. That’s worth repeating: when in doubt, don’t drive. If you feel tired, struggle to keep your eyes open, or notice other signals, do not ignore them or assume you can push through them and drive alertly. Instead, it’s safer to reschedule your trip, delay your departure until you are alert, or change your driving plans to avoid putting yourself and others at risk. If you must travel, consider asking a trusted friend or family member to drive, take a taxi, or book a rideshare.

Visit theNSF.org for more tips while you make your own plan to prevent drowsy driving, plus get NSF’s expert resources to help you be your Best Slept Self®.

There’s only one National Sleep Foundation (NSF). NSF is an independent nonprofit organization dedicated to improving health and well-being through sleep education and advocacy. Founded in 1990, the NSF is committed to advancing excellence in sleep health theory, research and practice. For more than 35 years, NSF has promoted sleep health through expert recommendations, consensus guidelines, tech standards, and easy-to-use tips and tools to improve sleep.

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