Study Points Out Drowsy-Driving Danger
AAA research estimates traffic fatalities due to unrested drivers far exceed historical numbers.
AAA says its new numbers exceed government estimates of the toll of drowsy driving by about 10-fold.
IMAGE: Pexels/Sinitta Leunen
Research by AAA found that drowsy drivers pose more danger on the road than previously thought.
Its Foundation for Traffic Safety study showed that an estimated 6,725 were killed in accidents caused by sleepy drivers in 2021 and that 18% of all traffic deaths from 2017 to 2021 involved drivers compromised by inadequate rest, leading to almost 30,000 fatalities.
AAA pointed out that the numbers, which are based on crash investigations and national fatal-accident data, exceed government estimates of the toll of drowsy driving by about 10-fold.
In fact, the federal government’s own National Highway Traffic Safety Administration says its peer organizations, sleep scientists and public health agencies agree that sleep deprivation’s impact on driving is underestimated. For instance, the NHTSA’s own report estimates that 2021 traffic deaths related to drowsy driving totaled 684, compared to the new AAA figure of 6,725.
One of the dangers of sleepy drivers is their lack of awareness of how tired they are, AAA said, citing its own previous research.
It said it supports development of vehicle technology to detect drowsy driving and prevent people from driving while impaired by lack of adequate rest.
LEARN MORE: Regulator Aims for Impaired-Driving Tech in New Cars
Originally posted on Auto Dealer Today
More F&I
Integrating Nontraditional F&I Products
The niche presents a strategic advantage for auto dealerships as they move to adapt to fast-changing consumer expectations in today’s market.
Read More →
Trust Is Personal
Technology, no matter how efficient, can’t replace what the human F&I manager can do, which is to bridge the divide between cyberspace and the in-store experience.
Read More →
Amplify 2026 Billed as Turning Innovation Into Results
Reynolds and Reynolds says its annual retail summit will connect dealers with practical strategies, peer insight, and technology-driven ideas.
Read More →
Own Your Outcome: F&I in the Digital Customer Journey
Finance has historically been the last step in the car-buying process, but it doesn’t have to be. The customer’s journey starts long before they arrive at the dealership, and so should F&I’s involvement.
Read More →
Tariffs Could Raise Insurance Premiums
As U.S. import tariffs affect repair costs, consumers might find it more affordable to replace a damaged vehicle, according to recent Insurify tariff analysis.
Read More →
Smaller Loans, Longer Terms
The youngest generation of car buyers is more likely to finance less expensive vehicles, more than half of generation Z consumers borrowing less than $25,000.
Read More →
New Lifetime Battery F&I Product Meant to Drive Dealer Traffic
EFG Cos. offering is intended to create lifetime auto dealer engagement with customers.
Read More →
The Psychology Behind Menus That Increase Add-On Sales
There is a science to crafting a menu that gives customers confidence in the choices presented, and moving the process outside the F&I office can further boost results.
Read More →
Why Your F&I PVR Is Misleading You
Here’s a handy checklist of the numbers to track in 2026 instead.
Read More →
Auto Consumer Anxiety Presents Opportunity
A survey of U.S. drivers found the majority are concerned about finances and the economy, but those fears make many ready to buy vehicle-protection products.
Read More →