National poll reports 20% of drivers fall asleep at the wheel

Jet, Nov 5, 2001

In a telephone poll of 1,004 adults, one in five motorists admitted he or she has fallen asleep at the wheel in the past year, according to the National Sleep Foundation.

The poll found that half the respondents admitted they drove when they were tired during the last year, and 20. percent said that they had fallen asleep at the wheel.

At 59%, men were more likely to drive while drowsy compared to 47% of women. Young men ages 18-29 were more likely to drive drowsy at 65%.

Studies show that drowsy drivers have slower reaction time, impaired judgment and vision, increased moodiness and aggressive behavior and more difficulty following road signs.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration estimates drowsy drivers cause 100,000 crashes each year that result in more than 71,000 injuries and 1,500 deaths.

Richard Gelula, director of the National Sleep Foundation, wants to see the issue addressed in driver's education classes and on driving tests. He also wants law enforcement to better document the role drowsiness plays in accidents.

According to the National Sleep Foundation the following are signs a motorist may need to step and rest: difficulty focusing and keeping eyes open, trouble keeping your head up, yawning repeatedly, missing traffic signs or exits and drifting from your lane.