Intoxicated driving is a much-discussed topic when it comes to
accident prevention. Lately, tired driving has also started
entering the conversation when the issue of road safety is
broached. It seems that the dangers of tired driving may be just as
acute as the dangers of driving drunk.
Why Is Driving Tired So Dangerous?
A report from the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety has found
that sleep-deprived drivers caused 21 per cent of lethal car
accidents.
In Canada, the Highway Safety Roundtable uncovered in 2006 that
20% of Canadians acknowledged having fallen asleep behind the wheel
of their car at least once during the year.
The roundtable also found that an individual who has missed 18
hours of sleep was just as impaired as a driver with a blood
alcohol level of 50 mg. In most provinces, being caught driving
with a blood alcohol level this high will ensure a temporary
license suspension. The comparison and implications are
alarming.
