A recent survey of licensed drivers ages 16-24 shows that one in seven of them has admitted to nodding off at least once while driving in the past year.
The survey, done by the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety, echoes data from a 20120 AAA study of crash data that estimated that age group was 78 percent more likely to be drowsy at the time of a crash than drivers ages 40-59.
The 2010 crash data also showed that one in six deadly crashes involved a drowsy driver, making it one of the leading contributors to traffic crashes.
"As the research shows, fatigue impairs safe driving, and with its symptoms of decreased awareness, slow reaction time and impaired judgment, it is no different than drunk, drugged or distracted driving," said Ragina Averella, the manager of public and government affairs at AAA Mid-Atlantic.
She said the recent findings show that 30 percent of licensed drivers reported having driven in the past 30 days when they were so tired that they struggled to keep their eyes open.
"Drivers do not always recognize when they are sleepy. They may feel awake, but if they are tired, they could fall asleep at any time, and the consequences could be deadly," Averella said.
AAA said it's bringing attention to the findings as a warning as the holidays approach and lots of people are on the roads. Signs of drowsiness can include:
- Trouble remembering the last miles driven or missing exits and traffic signs
- Difficulty keeping your eyes open and focused
- Yawning frequently or rubbing your eyes repeatedly
- Drifting from your lane or off the road
- Daydreaming or having wandering, disconnected thoughts
AAA is urging drivers to stop and find a safe place to pull over if experiencing any of those symptoms. Some good tips to ensure you'll stay awake include:
- Getting plenty of sleep before a long trip
- Avoiding traveling at times you would normally be sleeping
- Scheduling a break every two hours or every 100 miles
- Avoiding heavy foods
- Traveling with a companion and taking turns driving
- Avoiding medications that cause drowsiness or other impairment
For more information about drowsy driving, visit the National Sleep Foundation’s drowsy driving website at www.DrowsyDriving.org.