Driving Drowsy: How Sleep Deprivation Skyrockets Crash Risk

Experts estimate that 10 to 15 percent of traffic accidents are partly linked to driver fatigue.

The Road Safety Research Foundation bases this on international studies. A U.S. study found that sleep deprivation of just one to two hours in the past 24 hours doubles your collision risk.

Slept only four to five hours?
Your accident risk rises 4.3 times. With less than four hours, it surges to 11.5 times higher.

Tips for safer driving

• Avoid driving at night.
• Drive with an alert co-driver.
• Alternate driving duties.
• Take regular breaks.
• Get ample sleep before setting out.