Drowsy Driving as Dangerous as Drunken Driving?

The AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety study found drivers who sleep less than the recommended seven hours are more likely to be involved in wrecks.  So much so, it is like driving while under the influence.  Drivers who missed one hour of sleep were 1.3 times more likely to be involved in a car wreck, while drivers who missed two hours of sleep were 1.9 times more likely.

Unfortunately, most people in the United States do not get the recommended seven hours of sleep each night.  While “driving drowsy” drivers often have trouble keeping their eyes open, causing them to drift lanes and crossing into other lanes of traffic.  Long driving trips can be especially dangerous and drivers are recommended to stop every two hours or 100 miles, drive with an alert passenger, and take turns driving. 

 This statistic is especially concerning for drivers of semi-trucks, as semis generally cause more damage in wrecks and are more likely to lead to fatalities.  The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration sets minimum standards truck drivers are required to sleep and rest between hours of driving.