Sleep Deprivation and Drowsy Driving

The American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM) says the body’s need for sleep is so strong that the brain will attempt to make you sleep no matter what you are doing at the time,” according to a brochure published by the AASM. Lack of sleep contributes to “sleep debt,” which accumulates over time. The effects of drowsiness are similar in nature to alcohol use. “Drowsiness can impair your ability to drive at a rate that is higher than the legal alcohol limit,” according to the organizations wellness booklet. Excessive sleepiness impacts focus and attention. “One study showed drivers awake for 15 or more hours had a four times the risk of having a drowsy driving crash. If a driver had been awake for 20 or more hours, the risk of crashing increases by 30 times.”

The “Drowsy Driving Act of 2005” is also known as “Rob’s Law” in memory of Major Robert M. Raneri, US Army Reserve, who was killed June 26, 2002 by a “drowsy driver”. Major Raneri was killed by a 19 year old male who confessed to police that he had been out all night playing video games. The death was treated as a misdemeanor because no drugs or alcohol was involved. He was sentenced to five years’ probation and loss of license for ten years. November 2-8 is drowsy driving awareness week.