Sleepiness, fatigue and road traffic accidents

Abstract

Introduction Road traffic accidents are one of main problems in Iran. Multiple factors cause traffic accidents the most important of which is fatigue and sleepiness. This factor is given less attention in our country. Materials and methods In this study, all road traffic accidents which were reported by police to have been caused due to fatigue and sleepiness were studied in the three provinces (Tehran, Qazvin and Semnan) over a three-year period (2006–2008). Results The risk of road traffic accidents due to fatigue and sleepiness, which were reported by police, increased by more than sevenfold (Odds ratio = 7.33) in low alertness hours during circadian rhythm (0–6 A.M) compared to other times during the day. The risk of road traffic accidents due to fatigue and sleepiness decreased 0.15-fold (Odds ratio = 0.15) in hours with maximum of alertness (18–22 h.) of circadian rhythm compared to other times during the day. Conclusion The occurrence of road traffic accidents due to fatigue and sleepiness have significant statistical relation with driving on highways and freeways and it has a 2.6-fold increase compared to driving on the other types of roads. Acknowledgements Police officers work in the three provinces (Tehran, Qazvin and Semnan).