PSA: Driving While Sleepy (DWS) is as Bad as Being Drunk

  • Gary

Public Service Announcement: Driving While Sleepy (DWS) is as Dangerous as Driving Under the Influence

In July 2000, NBC’s Dateline aired a segment highlighting a study led by Dr. Nelson Powell, co-director of the Stanford Sleep Disorders Center, which compared the driving abilities of individuals who were legally intoxicated to those who were sleep-deprived. The study involved 16 volunteers who first drove a course under normal conditions. Subsequently, they were divided into two groups: one consumed alcohol to reach legal intoxication levels, and the other experienced sleep deprivation. The findings revealed that sleep-deprived drivers performed just as poorly as those who were intoxicated, underscoring the significant dangers of drowsy driving.

Current Data on Drowsy Driving:

  • Impairment Levels: Studies have shown that being awake for 17 to 18 hours impairs driving performance equivalent to a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.05%, which is the legal limit in many European countries.
  • Accident Statistics: In the United States, drowsy driving is a factor in more than 100,000 crashes annually, resulting in approximately 6,550 deaths and 80,000 injuries. 

Recognizing Drowsy Driving:

Be vigilant for the following warning signs:

  • Difficulty focusing, frequent blinking, or heavy eyelids
  • Trouble remembering the last few miles driven or missing exits
  • Yawning repeatedly or rubbing eyes
  • Drifting from your lane, tailgating, or hitting a shoulder rumble strip

Safety Recommendations:

  • Prioritize Sleep: Ensure you get 7-9 hours of quality sleep before driving.
  • Take Breaks: On long trips, take regular breaks every two hours or 100 miles.
  • Avoid Alcohol and Sedatives: These substances can increase drowsiness.
  • Share Driving Duties: On long journeys, switch drivers to maintain alertness.

For more information and resources on drowsy driving, visit the National Sleep Foundation’s website: https://www.thensf.org/drowsy-driving-prevention/

Stay alert, stay safe.