Congressional Resolution 778 Supports the Designation of Drowsy Driving Prevention Week
For Immediate Release
Contact: NSF Communications
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Congressional Resolution 778 Supports the Designation of Drowsy Driving Prevention Week
Washington, DC (November 22, 2021): Representatives Madeleine Dean and Brian Fitzpatrick, both of Pennsylvania, and André Carson, of Indiana, introduced House Resolution 778 in the U.S. House of Representatives. Developed by the National Sleep Foundation (NSF) and with additional data and statistics from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration, the resolution supports the designation of “Drowsy Driving Prevention Week” to raise awareness about the dangers of drowsy driving and encourages people across the United States to take steps to prevent against drowsy driving.
NSF is dedicated to improving health and well-being through sleep education and advocacy. Founded in 1990, the NSF is committed to advancing excellence in sleep health theory, research, and practice. NSF created Drowsy Driving Prevention Week®, which occurs during the end of Daylight Saving Time, to raise awareness on the relatable experience of driving while drowsy. Drowsy driving is dangerously common, but preventable. An NSF survey of adult drivers found that 60% reported driving while drowsy in the past year, and the percentage of adults aged 18 and over who said they had fallen asleep while driving in the past 30 days translates to more than 10.3 million people. 100,000 police-reported crashes each year are caused by fatigued drivers, resulting in conservative estimates of 6,400 fatalities and 71,000 injuries.
“NSF applauds Congress for recognizing Drowsy Driving Prevention Week. Drowsy driving is a public health concern that everyone can take steps to prevent.” said John Lopos, CEO of the National Sleep Foundation. “All drivers and passengers should be on the lookout for drowsy driving. Before you get behind the wheel, take a moment to assess your alertness and energy levels. If you feel sleepy, you probably aren’t alert enough to drive.” added Lopos.
“Drowsy Driving Prevention Week will raise awareness and educate people on preventable measures that will save lives,” Rep. Dean said. “Too many lives have been lost already to drowsy driving. We must make our roads safer for everyone.”
For over 30 years, NSF has educated the public on the importance of sleep health in relation to overall health and well-being. NSF has published consensus papers and guidelines for positive sleep health as well as easy-to-use tools and tips to improve sleep. For more information about National Sleep Foundation and Drowsy Driving Prevention Week, visit www.theNSF.org.
About the National Sleep Foundation
The National Sleep Foundation (NSF) is a 501(c)3 nonprofit corporation dedicated to improving health and well-being through sleep education and advocacy. Founded in 1990, the NSF is committed to advancing excellence in sleep health theory, research and practice.
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