National Sleep Foundation Launches New Web Site Dedicated to Preventing Drowsy Driving

11/20/2003

From: Marcia C. Stein the National Sleep Foundation, 202-347-3471 ext. 205

WASHINGTON, Nov. 20 -- A new Web site dedicated exclusively to preventing the nationwide problem of drowsy driving is being launched by the National Sleep Foundation (NSF) Monday, November 24, as millions of Americans prepare to take to the roads for the Thanksgiving holiday weekend. This comprehensive NSF site, http://www.drowsydriving.org, is the first of its kind, providing a collection of the latest information and resources to help raise awareness about a common, though often ignored problem that injures and kills thousands of people every year.

"Sleepiness has no place on the road. Yet crashes caused by a driver who was drowsy or actually fell asleep behind the wheel occur almost daily in this country and in countries around the world," notes Richard L. Gelula, NSF's executive director. "This new Web site is the first of many new NSF initiatives dedicated to preventing drowsy driving and the needless deaths and injuries that often result."

According to NSF's annual Sleep in America polls, about one-half of adult drivers -- some 100 million people -- say they have driven feeling drowsy, while 17 percent, about 32 million people, say they have fallen asleep at the wheel. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) conservatively estimates that 100,000 police-reported crashes are the direct result of driver fatigue each year, resulting in an estimated 1,550 deaths, 71,000 injuries and $12.5 billion in monetary losses including diminished productivity and property loss.

Visitors to http://www.drowsydriving.org can get tips describing warning signs and symptoms of the onset of sleepiness and actions to follow if one becomes sleepy behind the wheel. Tools for better sleep, including sleep tips selected from NSF materials, will be provided along with information targeted specifically to at-risk groups such as teens, shift workers and commercial drivers. Those seeking information about new detection devices will find it listed along with criteria the devices must meet to be considered effective and valid.

Additional tools and resources are available for drivers of all ages, employers and teachers. Special features for researchers, academics, policymakers and advocates working on drowsy driving issues include research studies and surveys, and links to other research and related documents listed by subject category for easy reference.

NSF encourages companies, schools, institutions, unions, organizations and government agencies to link to http://www.drowsydriving.org. A special "Link To This Site" feature is provided to facilitate greater awareness and use of the prevention information.

NSF will use the new site to try to get more people involved as advocates on the issue at the state and local levels and within institutions. http://www.drowsydriving.org visitors can join the call to action by urging their elected officials to address sleep-related issues.

The new Web site will also feature updates on reported drowsy driving crashes, press articles, and legislative actions as well as a special "memorial page" designated for stories about people whose lives have ended because of drowsy driving.

http://www.drowsydriving.org is the first of many new phases of NSF's "Drive Alert...Arrive Alive" campaign to raise awareness about the dangers of driving while feeling drowsy. NSF will issue a major report early next year on recommended preventive actions that can be taken in the public and private sectors at the national, state and local levels.

The National Sleep Foundation is an independent nonprofit organization dedicated to improving public health and safety by achieving public understanding of sleep and sleep disorders, and by supporting public education, sleep-related research, and advocacy. NSF is based in Washington, D.C.