Study Shows Drowsy Driving Worse Than Drunk Driving
A study by the American Association of Automobiles Traffic Safety Foundation revealed that 40 percent of all motorists admitted to falling asleep at the wheel. Statistically, the dangers of drowsy driving are similar to the dangers of driving while intoxicated. According to the National Sleep Foundation, driving with a lack of sleep over a 24-hour period is the same as driving with blood alcohol content (BAC) of 0.1 percent - above the legal BAC limit of 0.08 percent.
Human behavior will probably always account for sleepy motorists despite any educational efforts. But new technology has potential to reduce the risks associated with drowsy or distracted driving.
Technology to the Rescue, Ways to Combat Drowsy Driving
The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) has estimated that the use of electronic stability control devices, which prevent rollovers, and crash avoidance systems could drastically decrease fatal injury accidents by as much as one-third. Both are already available on many models.
A lane departure warning system could lead the way in preventing accidents by monitoring lane markers and unusual steering behavior. The system issues a chime or beeps to alert the driver. If another vehicle is suddenly too close to another car and is closing fast, either a loud warning signal comes on or the car brakes slightly or hard, depending upon the model. A cruise-control device does keep the vehicle at a specified distance, but the signal or brakes will activate if a vehicle suddenly gets too close.
Some of the systems installed in Mercedes-Benz and BMW models use vibrating steering wheels. Hyundai has a seat belt that tugs at a driver if he is drifting.
The IIHS estimates that the use of adaptive headlights is another crash avoidance system that could prevent 2,500 fatal crashed each year. Standard headlights shine ahead no matter how sharply the vehicle veers or turn, but adaptive lighting angles in the vehicle's direction. This enables the motorist to better see a stopped vehicle or other object in the road ahead.
Despite technological initiatives, drivers should continue to take note of the dangers of drowsy driving. Experts recommend motorists get plenty of sleep before a long trip, stopping every two hours or every 100 miles to stay alert and safe.
