New research done by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reveals that almost one in 25 American drivers admit to falling asleep behind the wheel while driving. While the study reveals that the majority of sleep deprived people were males that are younger than 25, the CDC warns that nobody is immune to the risk of danger while driving drowsy.
The CDC calculated that almost 7,500 fatal accidents that occur every year are due to sleep-deprived drivers. Getting a good amount of sleep before driving is vital, reports Counsel & Heal News. Pulling to the side of the road safely to take a break is a good way to ensure everyone stays safe on the road. Old-fashioned methods, such as turning up music or blasting cold air from the air conditioner, are not as effective as most people assume.
Boston.com reports that less than five hours of sleep per every 24 hours is a "drowsy driving brink point." It has been found that drowsy driving crashes are more often fatal and result in more serious injuries than crashes not involving drowsy drivers.
For more information, please see the CDC's response in the Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report