Study finds drowsy driving just as dangerous as texting while driving

May 01, 2013 (Press-News.org) Texting while driving is labeled the worst 21st-century driving hazard thus far. However, a new study conducted by researchers from the Virginia Tech Transportation Institute suggests that drowsy driving is just as dangerous.

The drowsy driving study

The study involved the analysis of 100 different vehicles traversing within the Northern Virginia / Washington D.C. area. The study revealed some interesting information--approximately 20 percent of vehicle accidents were caused by fatigued drivers.

Researchers conducting the study equipped each vehicle with inconspicuous instruments, or data acquisition systems, that included interior sensors, mounted video technology, accelerometers, and lane-tracking sensors.

The sensors recorded the actions that were correlated to drowsy driving such as yawning, eye-lid closure, head bobbing and micro-sleep (eyes shutting and then quickly popping open).

Alarming results

After tallying all of the information from the study, researchers came to some alarming conclusions such as:
- Drivers 18-20 years of age accounted for the most frequent age group involved in drowsy driving related auto accidents
- More drowsy driving accidents occurred during the day, rather than at night
- Drivers operating a vehicle while drowsy overall were deemed to have a four times greater chance of being in an auto accident than rested individuals

As such, researchers conclude that drowsy driving shouldn't be underestimated, despite the high profile public awareness about distracted driving behaviors like texting behind the wheel.

According to Tom Dingus, director of the Virginia Tech Transportation Institute, about "12 percent of all crashes and near-crashes in the population are attributable to fatigue."

Current measures

Fortunately, action has already been taken to combat drowsy driving with teens and commercial drivers.

Truckers operating heavy and dangerous vehicles used as part of a business operation or in interstate commerce, for instance, are mandated to follow hours-of-service, or HOS rules, implemented by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration. These rules make sure drivers aren't driving for long periods and are taking adequate rest breaks in order to help reduce truck driver fatigue and prevent commercial truck accidents.

Along with HOS rules for commercial drivers, many states have passed graduated driver's licensing laws for new, teen drivers. The GDLs allow teens to gradually gain experience driving in different conditions and time of day.

Both are excellent measures that have helped reduce auto accidents caused by driver fatigue. However, the results of the study indicate that more is still needed to tackle the growing problem.

It remains to be seen what initiatives will be proposed in the future.

Article provided by Nagle & Associates, P.A.
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