Be Aware of the Pitfalls of Drowsy Driving

October 28, 2011

The National Sleep Awareness Roundtable (NSART), a group of stakeholders brought together by the National Sleep Foundation to educate the public on sleep as a healthy behavior, has declared November 6–12 as Drowsy Driving Prevention Week. As a member of NSART, the AARC encourages everyone to be aware of the dangers of drowsy driving.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration estimates that drowsy driving results in 1,550 deaths, 71,000 injuries and more than 100,000 accidents each year. Further, a study conducted by the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety found that around 28% of Americans admitted that they have fallen asleep behind the wheel and more than half (54%) indicated they had driven while drowsy. These numbers can be prevented with awareness and public education and the AARC wants to do its part to make sure you stay informed.

There are some alarming statistics that are reported from the AAA study in addition to steps you can take to prevent an accident as a result of falling asleep at the wheel. Help us get the word out and prevent these unnecessary accidents from happening in the future.

Since respiratory therapists treat patients with multiple sleep disorders, you know firsthand how sleep-related problems can trigger other health concerns. The NSART has put together important resources that can help all of us. Learn more and improve your knowledge and awareness of the importance of getting adequate sleep that you can pass on to your patients.