Drowsy driving prevalence and beliefs among a nationally representative US sample: A report from the National Sleep Foundation

Abstract

ObjectivesDrowsy driving is a preventable form of impaired driving, represents a large public health concern, and accounts for a significant proportion of motor vehicle crashes, injuries, and deaths. There is a limited body of research documenting the prevalence and frequency of drowsy driving, alongside the public’s perceptions and attitudes surrounding drowsy driving. The overarching goal of the present study was to document the prevalence, frequency, perceptions, attitudes, and associated sleep behaviors and beliefs related to drowsy driving. MethodsThe National Sleep Foundation conducted a national online survey of 1012 adults via the probability-based Ipsos Public Affairs KnowledgePanel. The survey was conducted in either English or Spanish, depending on participant preferred language. Respondents answered questions about the occurrence of drowsy driving, attitudes and beliefs about drowsy driving, and habitual sleep duration. ResultsResults indicated that the majority of US adults (95%) perceived drowsy driving as a risk; however, the lifetime prevalence of drowsy driving was high—62% of all drivers reported driving while so tired that they had a hard time keeping their eyes open. Individuals who obtained the NSF recommended sleep duration drove while drowsy less frequently. ConclusionsDrowsy driving is a preventable and common behavior at the intersection of sleep health and public safety. Drivers who get adequate nighttime sleep are less likely to drive while they are so tired that they have a hard time keeping their eyes open. Public health campaigns encouraging adequate sleep to drive alert are needed.