the costs, risks, and prevention of driver...

The Costs, Risks, and

Prevention of Driver Fatigue

THE DANGERS OF DROWSY DRIVING©

© National Sleep Foundation

Presented on behalf of Texas Department of Transportation

This presentation is a modification of one

created and copyrighted by the National Sleep

Foundation. Formatting and highlighting have

been changed and images added for local

audiences.


Overview

The scope of the problem

The characteristics of drowsy driving

Are you at risk?

Effects of sleepiness and fatigue

Reducing your risk


How Big is The Problem of Drowsy Driving?


Federal Crash Statistics

5,505,000crashes annually 72,000 (1.3%) of those were related to drowsy driving.

Of the 30,797 fatal crashes 730 (2.4%) were caused by drowsy driving.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration estimates in a 2011 report:

$12.5 billion in monetary losses (Knipling 1995)

Another 1 million crashes are linked to inattention, which increases with fatigue (Wang 1996)


Why These Statistics are Conservative:

Only half of crashes are reported (Miller 1991)

State reporting practices are inconsistent. Every state currently addresses fatigue and/or sleepiness in some way in their crash report forms. However, the codes are inconsistent and two states (Missouri and Wisconsin) do not have specific codes for fatigue and/or fell asleep.

Most police are not trained to detect fatigue.


Why These Statistics are Conservative:

No objective measurement exists (e.g., blood test)

Self-reporting tends to be inaccurate

Drowsiness is often linked to other factors in crashes (e.g., alcohol, drugs), but not reported


Other Statistics

416,000 - drivers have been involved in a fatigue-related crash in the past 5 years.

According to the Foundation's 2009 Sleep in America poll, about one-third (28%) of Americans admitted that they have fallen asleep behind the wheel within the past year.

8% in the last 6 months.


RECENCY OF NODDING OFF AT WHEEL

Thinking of the most recenttime that you fell asleep ornodded off even for amoment while driving, howlong ago was that?

Total Male Female 16-20 21-29 30-45 46-64 65+

Have fallen asleep while driving 1505 906 599 44 214 526 511 203


What are the Characteristics of Drowsy Driving Crashes?


Characteristics of Drowsy Driving Crashes

Most happen between midnight –6:00am and in the midafternoon (circadian dip)

The driver is alone and more likely to be male

A single vehicle drifts off the road and hits a stationary object

(Knipling 1994, McCartt 1996, Pack 1995)


Characteristics of Drowsy Driving Crashes

Most are rear-end or head-oncollisions

There is no evidence of braking or evasive maneuvers

Many involve serious injuries and/or fatalities

(Knipling 1994, McCartt 1996, Pack 1995)


Are You At Risk?


Are You At Risk?

Before you drive, check to see if you are:

Sleep-deprived or fatigued.

Suffering from insomnia, poor quality sleep, or a sleep debt.

Driving long distances without proper rest breaks.

Driving through the night, midafternoon or when you would normally be asleep.


Are You At Risk? (cont.)

Taking sedating medications.

Working more than 60 hours a week.

Working more than one job or your main job involves shift work.

Drinking even small amounts of alcohol.

Driving alone or on a long, rural, dark or boring road.


Special At-Risk Groups Include:

Young people.

Shift workers.

Commercial drivers.

People with undiagnosed or untreated sleep disorders.

Business travelers.

The elderly.


The Effects of Sleepiness and Fatigue


The Effects of Sleepiness and Fatigue

Impaired reaction time, judgment and vision

Problems with information processing and short-term memory

Decreased performance, vigilance and motivation

Increased moodiness and aggressive behaviors

Increased “microsleeps” – brief (2-3 seconds) sleep episodes


Fatigue vs. Alcohol

18 hours sustained wakefulness produces performance impairment = .05% BAC

24 hours = .10% BAC(Dawson & Reid, 1997; Williamson & Feyer, 2000).

People with mild to moderate untreated sleep apnea performed worse than those with a 0.06% BAC (Powell 1999)

On 4 hours sleep, 1 beer

can have the impact of a

six-pack.

(Roehrs et al. 1994)


Common Sleep Problems

Chronic or short-term insomnia (more than 50% of all U.S. adults)

Snoring (90 million Americans snore, 37 million habitually)

Sleep Apnea (18 million Americans)

2-7x increased driving risk

Restless Legs Syndrome (2%-15%)

Narcolepsy (1 in every 2,000 Americans)


How To Reduce Your Risk


Learn The Warning Signs of Fatigue

Difficulty focusing orkeeping eyes open

Trouble keeping yourhead up

Yawning repeatedly

Wandering,disconnectedthoughts.


Learn The Warning Signs of Fatigue

Feeling restless or irritable.

Trouble rememberingthe last few miles.

Drifting from your lane.

Tailgating or missing traffic signs or exits.


Before A Trip

Get a good night’s sleep, preferably 8 hours.

Schedule breaks every 100 miles or 2 hours during long trips.

Plan to travel with a companion to help watch for the signs of fatigue and share driving.

Avoid alcohol and sedating medications


Before A Trip

Consult your physician or local sleep disorder center if you are experiencing frequent daytime sleepiness or having difficulty sleeping at night

For short trips such as driving home from work, take a nap or drink caffeinebefore leaving


Countermeasures While Driving

Watch for signs of fatigue

Stop driving and assess your condition

Pull off the road at a safe place and take a short “power” nap


Countermeasures While Driving

Let a passenger take over the driving

Consume caffeine

Be aware of shoulder rumble strips

DO NOT rely on “old tricks” or “drowsy driving devices”


Remember to… Maximize Your Sleep &

Minimize Your Risks


Summary

Drowsy driving is a major problem.

Fatigue is an impairment like alcohol or drugs.

Anyone can be at risk at a given time, but there are specific groups that have a higher risk.

Simple and effective ways to combat drowsy driving exist.

Practice good sleep habits and remember to

Drive Alert…Arrive Alive


For More Information Contact:

National Sleep Foundation1522 K Street, NW, Suite 500Washington, DC 20005or visit www.sleepfoundation.org

National Highway Traffic Safety Administration

http://www.nhtsa.gov

http://www.sleepfoundation.org/

http://www.nhtsa.gov/

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