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. “Drowsiness can impair your ability to drive at a rate that is higher than the legal 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. He was sentenced to five years’ probation and loss of license for ten years. November is drowsy driving awareness month.
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