Drowsy driving can be just as dangerous as drunk driving

Sometimes it seems like there aren’t enough hours in a day. Many people are tempted to cut into sleep time to make it all fit, powering through the end of the day or the next day with coffee or sugar.

More and more studies are showing just how dangerous this attitude toward sleep is and the profound impact it can have on an individual’s ability to function and make critical decisions.

The CDC reports that every 30 days, nearly 1 in 25 adults fall asleep while driving. Even more troubling, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reported that in 2013, nearly 72,000 crashes were caused by sleep deprivation, resulting in 44,000 injuries and 800 deaths. A large percentage of highway accidents involving semi trucks are caused by drowsy drivers.

People are starting to recognize the danger that sleep deprivation poses. Huffington Post and Uber are making plans to team up in an effort to raise awareness about the dangers of drowsy driving.

Our country has made great strides in fighting drunk driving and curbing drunk driving-related injuries and casualties. Laws and public service campaigns have also been launched to end texting and driving, as well as other distracted driving.

Now it’s time to take a closer look at the impact of sleep upon drivers’ ability to operate vehicles safely.

For more information about steps you can take following a car accident and ways to prevent accidents, click here.