Feds call attention to dangers of drowsy driving

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) recently announced an Information Collection Request (ICR) for a survey about drowsy driving. The survey is currently under consideration. At this time, it is going through a comment period. Organizations and individuals can comment on whether or not they think the survey would provide beneficial information. Thus far, both General Motors and the American Alliance for Healthy Sleep have provided comments in support of the survey.

Comments can be submitted to the Office of Management and Budget and are allowed through December 10, 2020. If the feds approve the ICR, the survey would likely take place in late 2020 or early 2021.

The proposed survey would include a random sample of drivers over the age of 18. The agency would ask these drivers about their knowledge, attitudes and behaviors when it comes to drowsy driving. NHTSA has stated the survey would ultimately help in its efforts to reduce death and injuries due to motor vehicle accidents on our nation’s roadways.

Why a focus on drowsy driving?

The federal agency has stated it believes accidents connected to drowsy driving are grossly underreported. The NHTSA estimates that almost one-quarter of all fatal crashes are due to drowsy driving. The agency is hopeful that gathering information about the attitudes that lead to drowsy driving will help aid to develop a plan to reduce these tragic accidents.

The agency could use the information to develop prevention programs and provide funding for groups that are working to educate the public about the dangers of drowsy driving.