(WBBM NEWSRADIO) – Think you’re alert behind the wheel? New research from AAA suggests that you might be underestimating how drowsy you are while driving.
Organization spokesperson Molly Hart says earlier research estimated that 16 percent to 21 percent of fatal crashes likely involve drowsy driving.
To test how exactly drowsiness plays a role in driving, AAA set up a new study.
"We had participants drive on a simulated highway of 150 miles, with a speed limit of 65 miles per hour,” Hart explained. “They began that experience at either 11 p.m. or 2:30 a.m., after a day without napping or consuming caffeine."
Then, they measured participants' drowsiness by analyzing eyelid movement.
"What we found is when drivers rated their level of drowsiness as ‘low,’ 75% of them are, in fact, moderately or severely drowsy,” Hart said.
Participants also declined taking to take a break and decided to keep on driving.
Hart says hopefully drivers will rethink their decision to drive while tired.
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