The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration now classifies drowsy driving as “impaired” driving, putting it in the same category as driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
The dangers of drowsy driving are real and the NHTSA estimates that it contributed to the deaths of 5,000 Americans last year. Drowsy-driving accidents cost an estimated $109 billion a year in non-property damages, according to the Governors’ Highway Safety Administration (GHSA).
These statistics are an important reminder of the dangers of drowsy driving, but also the need for motorists to recognize the signs.
While reports differ on the percentage of accidents caused by drowsy driving, safety officials across the nation agree that the problem is growing and must be addressed more aggressively. Drowsy Driving Now Classified as Impaired Driving