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More than 6,300 people died in suspected drowsy driving crashes in 2023 – ten times higher than the 633 deaths officially reported in federal statistics. GHSA’s comprehensive analysis uncovered this hidden toll by cross-referencing multiple sources, including the Fatality Analysis Reporting System and the Crash Investigation Sampling System. This massive gap exists because fatigue, unlike alcohol or […]
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) states that 91,000 police-reported crashes resulting in 50,000 injuries and 800 fatalities annually—amounting to approximately 1%–2% of all crashes, injuries, and deaths—involve drowsy driving; however, the contribution of drowsy driving in motor vehicle crashes is difficult to measure. Although reports by police officers who investigate crashes sometimes indicate […]
Drowsy driving is a common phenomenon that increases the risk for fatal and injurious crashes. Technological innovations in the form of driver monitoring and notification systems may offer potential to reduce crashes due to drowsy driving. These systems monitor the driver’s drowsy driving state and issue alerts when the driver is classified by the system […]
According to a NCSDR report (NCSDR): “NHTSA data indicate that in recent years there have been about 56,000 crashes reported by police annually that cited driver drowsiness/fatigue [Drowsy Driving, which we are calling DrD]. Annual averages of roughly 40,000 nonfatal injuries and 1,550 fatalities result from these crashes. It is widely recognized that these statistics […]
With the increased use of electronic devices, distracted driving is assumed to be one of the main causes of crashes. The Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) has demonstrated interest in addressing distracted driving. However, the real impact of distracted driving on traffic crashes in Illinois is still unclear because of what appears to be a […]
It’s nearing the end of August. Gone are the days of lounging by the pool or on the beach, or running around and playing outside. Soon, crowds of children will be waiting on the street corner for their school bus to arrive. It’s almost Labor Day, and the back-to-school season is upon us. ‘Tis the […]
Grants Awarded to Georgia, Iowa, Minnesota, Nebraska and New York WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Governors Highway Safety Association (GHSA) and The National Road Safety Foundation, Inc. (NRSF) announced the recipients of a third year of grants to help states implement innovative drowsy driving prevention campaigns. Georgia, Iowa, Minnesota, Nebraska and New York will each receive […]
Fatigue and sleepiness are inherent safety risks for ridesharing drivers and their passengers, the American Academy of Sleep Medicine declares in a recent position statement. Contributing factors include drivers’ work schedules, which often take place in the evening or during off time from a primary job. Those nontraditional times are when sleepiness can peak, AASM states.
This Research Brief describes a study that examined the prevalence of driver drowsiness immediately prior to crashes that occurred in the context of a large-scale naturalistic driving study in which the driving of more than 3,500 people was monitored continuously for a period of several months using in-vehicle cameras and other data collection equipment. Drowsiness […]
Take a Break. Drive Awake. Drowsy driving is a dangerous behavior that can result in serious injury or death. But despite the risks, drowsy driving is far too prevalent. Drowsy driving is estimated to contribute to as many as 1.2 million collisions, resulting in potentially 5,000 to 8,000 fatalities per year.
