Drowsy Driving Prevalent in U.S.
By: Dylan Brooks
Updated: November 9, 2010
MIDLAND -- There's been a lot of attention across the country on drinking and driving and texting and driving, but there's another hazard endangering lives on the roadways, and it could be more common than you think.
A new study done by AAA shows that more than 40% of drivers admit to dozing off behind the wheel. One in 10 even say they've done it in the past year. Driving drowsy can have similar, and sometimes even worse effects than driving while intoxicated. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration says that from 1999 to 2008, drowsy driving was responsible for 17 % of fatal accidents or more than 4,400 crashes a year.
If you're hitting the road for a long trip, AAA suggests getting at least six hours of sleep before you leave and taking regular breaks.
