autoevolution
 

84 Million Americans Drive Tired Every Day, Study Shows

Drowsy driving is a danger that could affect just about any driver in the world, a study has shown.
Driver sleeping on the steering wheel 13 photos
Photo: Pexels.com
The risks of drowsy drivingThe risks of drowsy drivingThe risks of drowsy drivingThe risks of drowsy drivingThe risks of drowsy drivingThe risks of drowsy drivingVolvo test driver falling asleep behind the wheel and woken up by the Driver Alert System. Test performed in controlled conditionsThe risks of drowsy drivingThe risks of drowsy drivingThe risks of drowsy drivingThe risks of drowsy drivingThe risks of drowsy driving
It is surprisingly preventable — just get a good night’s sleep and do not drive if you are too tired. The problem is that most people do not realize how tired they are when they get behind the wheel, thus driving drowsy and being a risk to themselves and other road users.

According to a report released by the Governors Highway Safety Association, approximately 328,000 crashes take place each year in the USA because of drowsy driving. On average, 6,400 drowsy driving accidents also cause fatalities.

Just because someone did not get enough sleep before getting behind the wheel, other people died. Imagine a loved one dying just because you did not go to bed at a reasonable hour last night and binge-watched a show on Netflix. Disturbing feeling, right?

Well, drowsy driving does not happen because people stay up late to watch TV, but also because of late nights in town, parties, overtime at work, and even working in shifts. All of these situations described above are causes that can lead to drowsy driving.

Add a little bit of speed, distraction, inclement weather, or a minor imperfection of the road to the compound and you have a deadly cocktail ready to get spilled on an innocent road user.

A 2015 report from the AAA, referenced by the GHSA study, has shown that one in seven drivers confessed to “nodding off” while driving at least once in their lives. Those that could admit doing this lived to tell the tale, so keep that in mind when considering this statistic.

This problem is so common that researchers estimate that 84 million Americans drive tired every day. One-third of drivers interviewed by the AAA admitted to driving drowsy at least one a month. Contrary to what one might believe, young drivers are the worst offenders.

It does make sense, though, as someone under 25 often feels they know everything and can do anything, but more than 50% of drowsy driving accidents involved drivers that were this age or younger.

The GHSA suggests teens get between 8 and 10 hours of sleep the night before a drive, and adults should get between 7 and 9 hours of sleep. What is the common denominator here? At least eight hours of sleep the night before a trip for any driver.

We must remind you that drowsy driving affects reflexes, so you are not safe if you drive tired in the city, as there is always a chance of running a red light, not seeing that incoming motorcyclist when giving way, or hitting a pedestrian crossing the street.

Drivers are advised to avoid driving alone, and avoid starting trips in the early hours of the morning or early in the afternoon. According to the Center for Disease Control, drowsy driving accounts for two to 20% of all traffic fatalities, so remember that when you yawn behind the wheel.
If you liked the article, please follow us:  Google News icon Google News Youtube Instagram X (Twitter)
About the author: Sebastian Toma
Sebastian Toma profile photo

Sebastian's love for cars began at a young age. Little did he know that a career would emerge from this passion (and that it would not, sadly, involve being a professional racecar driver). In over fourteen years, he got behind the wheel of several hundred vehicles and in the offices of the most important car publications in his homeland.
Full profile

 

Would you like AUTOEVOLUTION to send you notifications?

You will only receive our top stories