Fatigued and drowsy driving: a survey of attitudes, opinions and behaviors.
BACKGROUND
There is evidence suggesting that the problem of fatigued or drowsy driving is an important contributor to road crashes. However, not much is known about public perceptions of the issue. The purpose of this study was to obtain information on attitudes, opinions, and professed practices related to fatigued or drowsy driving.


METHODS
The data were gathered by means of a public opinion poll among a representative sample of 750 Ontario drivers.


RESULTS
A majority of drivers (58.6%) admitted that they occasionally drive while fatigued or drowsy. Of greater importance, 14.5% of respondents admitted that they had fallen asleep or "nodded off" while driving during the past year. Nearly 2% were involved in a fatigue or drowsy driving related crash in the past year. Respondents were also asked about measures they take to overcome fatigue or drowsiness. Results indicate that relatively ineffective measures such as opening the window or playing music are the most popular; the most effective preventive measure--taking a rest--is the least popular.


CONCLUSIONS
The prevalence of the behavior, coupled with the ineffective prevention measures favored by the public suggest there is a need for increasing their level of awareness and knowledge about the problem.


CONCLUSIONS
Results from this study further emphasize the importance of increasing the fatigued and drowsy driving knowledge base and the need to educate the public about it.
Vanlaar
Ward
W
Traffic Injury Research Foundation, 171 Nepean Street, Suite 200, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada K2P 0B4. wardv@trafficinjuryresearch.com
Simpson
Herb
H
Mayhew
Dan
D
Robertson
Robyn
R
D000063:Accidents, Traffic / Q000517:prevention & control*; D001334:Automobile Driving / Q000523:psychology*; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005221:Fatigue / Q000523:psychology*; D005260:Female; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D007407:Interviews as Topic; D008297:Male; D009864:Ontario; D011639:Public Opinion