THE DANGERS OF DROWSY DRIVING. The Costs, Risks, and Prevention of Driver Fatigue

Transcription

1 THE DANGERS OF DROWSY DRIVING The Costs, Risks, and Prevention of Driver Fatigue

2 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.

3 Overview The scope of the problem The characteristics of drowsy driving Are you at risk? Effects of sleepiness and fatigue Reducing your risk

4 How Big is The Problem of Drowsy Driving?

5 Federal Crash Statistics The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration estimates in a 2011 report: 5,505,000 crashes 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. $12.5 billion in monetary losses (Knipling 1995) Another 1 million crashes are linked to inattention, which increases with fatigue (Wang 1996)

6 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.

7 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

8 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.

9 RECENCY OF NODDING OFF AT WHEEL Thinking of the most recent time that you fell asleep or nodded off even for a moment while driving, how long ago was that? Total Male Female Have fallen asleep while driving

10 What are the Characteristics of Drowsy Driving Crashes?

11 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)

12 Characteristics of Drowsy Driving Crashes Most are rear-end or head-on collisions There is no evidence of braking or evasive maneuvers Many involve serious injuries and/or fatalities (Knipling 1994, McCartt 1996, Pack 1995)

13 Are You At Risk?

14 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.

15 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.

16 Special At-Risk Groups Include: Young people. Shift workers. Commercial drivers. People with undiagnosed or untreated sleep disorders. Business travelers. The elderly.

17 The Effects of Sleepiness and Fatigue

18 The Effects of Sleepiness and Fatigue Impaired reaction time, judgment and vision Problems with information processing and shortterm memory Decreased performance, vigilance and motivation Increased moodiness and aggressive behaviors Increased microsleeps brief (2-3 seconds) sleep episodes

19 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)

20 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)

21 How To Reduce Your Risk

22 Learn The Warning Signs of Fatigue Difficulty focusing or keeping eyes open Trouble keeping your head up Yawning repeatedly Wandering, disconnected thoughts.

23 Learn The Warning Signs of Fatigue Feeling restless or irritable. Trouble remembering the last few miles. Drifting from your lane. Tailgating or missing traffic signs or exits.

24 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

25 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 caffeine before leaving

26 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

27 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

28 Remember to Maximize Your Sleep & Minimize Your Risks

29 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

30 For More Information Contact: National Sleep Foundation 1522 K Street, NW, Suite 500 Washington, DC or visit National Highway Traffic Safety Administration