MMWR News Synopsis for July 3, 2014

Drowsy Driving and Risk Behaviors — 10 States and Puerto Rico, 2011–2012

CDC Media Relations
404-639-3286

Drowsy driving contributes to car crashes and deaths. Adults who binge drink or who do not always wear seat belts are more likely to fall asleep at the wheel. Reducing binge drinking and alcohol-impaired driving and enforcing seatbelt use might help prevent drowsy driving crashes and related injuries. CDC found that among adult drivers in selected states, 1 in 25 reported falling asleep while driving during the previous month. Binge drinkers were more likely to report falling asleep while driving compared with adults who did not binge drink. Individuals who sometimes, seldom, or never wear a seatbelt were also more likely to report falling asleep at the wheel compared with those who always or almost always wear seatbelts.

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U.S. DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES