Utica, N.Y.- Motorists should use extra caution with the start of daylight-saving time this weekend, says AAA Northeast. Drowsy driving can increase a driver’s crash risk as significantly as drunk driving.
“Drowsy driving is a serious traffic safety issue,” said Patti Artessa, Regional Director of Public and Government Affairs for AAA Northeast. “As Americans move their clocks ahead by one hour, they need to remember to monitor their sleep schedule to prevent drowsiness on the road.”
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) drowsy driving causes approximately one million crashes, 500,000 injuries, and 8,000 deaths each year in the United States. Just one sleepless night can impair performance as much as a blood-alcohol level of 0.10 percent, beyond the legal limit to drive. Similar to alcohol, sleep deprivation affects judgment, making it harder to assess how impaired you are when you’re tired. Drivers who have slept for less than five hours can have a crash risk comparable to someone driving drunk. Even missing one or two hours of sleep can nearly double the risk of a crash.
The AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety reports that despite 95 percent of respondents viewing drowsy driving as very or extremely dangerous, 19 percent admit to driving when so tired they had a hard time keeping their eyes open at least once in the previous 30 days (2022 Traffic Safety Culture Index).
“The adjustment period after the clock change can be lengthy and drivers are more likely to drive drowsy, especially those impacted by sleep disorders,” Ms. Artessa said. “It’s essential for everyone to be extra vigilant about staying alert during these critical weeks as our bodies adjust.”
AAA recommends drivers:
- Should not rely on their bodies to provide warning signs for drowsiness and should instead prioritize getting at least seven hours of sleep before hitting the road.
- Travel at times of the day when they are normally aware.
- Avoid heavy foods.
- Avoid medications that cause drowsiness or other impairment.