Young people more likely to drive drowsy

Source: National Sleep Foundation News Release, November 9, 2012

In recognition of Drowsy Driving Prevention Week®, (November 12-18), the National Sleep Foundation is joining with the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety to educate drivers about sleep safety. Sleepy drivers are more likely to be under age 24, according to a new survey by the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety. One in seven drivers under age 24 admitted falling asleep at least once while driving in the past year, compared with one in 10 of all licensed drivers, the survey found. Motorists age 16 to 24 are also 78% more likely to be drowsy at the time of an accident than drivers age 40 to 59, says the AAA Foundation. These findings should serve as a wake-up call for all motorists. While eight out of 10 people consider sleepy driving a significant safety risk, 30% admitted driving in the past 30 days when they were so tired “they struggled to keep their eyes open,” the report says. To see the full article, including tips for recognizing signs of drowsiness, go to: www.sleepfoundation.org/ For more information about drowsy driving, visit the National Sleep Foundation’s drowsy driving website at www.DrowsyDriving.org