Fall-asleep crashes are twice as likely to involve fatalities as other vehicle crashes. Sleepiness is a preventable cause of vehicle crashes. But a minority of people who are sleepy during the day suffer from medical illnesses called sleep disorders. They, too, may crash because of sleepiness, inattention and fatigue. Fortunately, their daytime alertness and safety on the road improve with diagnosis and treatment.
All drivers are at risk for fall-asleep crashes.
According to a 1997 NSF Gallup Poll on excessive daytime sleepiness in America , more than one-third of the population report that sleepiness interferes with daily activities one or two days a week. In occupations requiring shift work rotations or overtime, sleepiness is even more common. Suggestions for prevention of drowsy driving According to Lorraine Wearley, Ph.D., president of the National Sleep Foundation , in agreement with leaders of other health and sleep-related organizations, a partnership with traffic safety officials, law enforcement officers, employers and medical societies to educate the public will help to reduce significantly sleepiness at the wheel and prevent motor vehicle crashes. These preventive measures are needed for commercial drivers as well. The more a person drives, the more he or she is at risk.