Congressional Resolution 1565 Supports the Designation of Drowsy Driving Prevention Week®

Media Contact: 
Stephanie Kohn 
skohn@theNSF.org

Washington, D.C. (November 22, 2024) – Representatives Madeleine Dean and Brian Fitzpatrick of Pennsylvania have introduced House Resolution 1565 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, the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration, and the National Safety Council, 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 preventable steps 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 established Drowsy Driving Prevention Week®, held each fall at the end of Daylight Saving Time, to raise awareness about the importance of sleep and the risks of driving while drowsy.

Drowsy driving is impaired driving. Like drunk, drugged, and distracted driving, drowsy driving is a significant threat to road safety. Data from the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety and other studies show drowsy driving is responsible for one out of every five deadly motor vehicle crashes and one out of every 10 motor vehicle crashes causing hospitalization. Other estimates total more than 300,000 police-reported crashes, 100,000 injuries, and 6,400 deaths in the U.S. annually.

“NSF applauds Congress for recognizing Drowsy Driving Prevention Week. Drowsy driving is impaired driving and a public health concern that everyone can take steps to prevent.” said John Lopos, CEO of the National Sleep Foundation. “It starts by getting enough quality sleep to be your Best Slept Self®, which is important for our safe driving and responsibility to each other on the road.”

“Drowsy Driving Prevention Week raises awareness and educates the public on preventable measures to avoid drowsy driving that will save lives. Too many lives have been lost to drowsy driving. We must make our roads safer for everyone,” said Rep. Dean.

For the past 30 years, NSF has educated the public about the importance of sleep health in relation to overall health and well-being. NSF has published consensus papers and guidelines for positive sleep health.

For more information about National Sleep Foundation’s leadership in sleep health and Drowsy Driving Prevention Week, visit www.theNSF.org.

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About the National Sleep Foundation

The National Sleep Foundation (NSF) is an independent nonprofit organization 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. theNSF.org │SleepHealthJournal.org