Washington D.C. — Congresswoman Madeleine Dean, alongside Congresswoman Lisa Blunt Rochester (DE-At Large) Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick (PA- 01) reintroduced bipartisan legislation to recognize an annual “Drowsy Driving Prevention Week” in November. The resolution raises awareness about the dangers of drowsy driving and encourages Americans across the country to take steps to stay safe on the road.
The National Safety Council (NSC) defines drowsy driving as a profound impairment that mimics alcohol-impaired driving — making drivers less attentive, slowing reaction times, and affecting decision making, A 2022 National Sleep Foundation survey of adult drivers found that 6 in 10 Americans (62%) have driven a car when they were so tired, they had a hard time keeping their eyes open, and an estimated 37 million motorists drive drowsy once a year or more.
"Drowsy Driving Prevention Week is an important tool to raise awareness about safe driving practices – especially for types of impaired driving often overlooked, like driving while fatigued or sleepy," Rep. Dean said. "I'm grateful to the National Sleep Foundation for their work to raise awareness and combat drowsy driving, and I look forward to continuing our partnership to make our communities safer and save lives."
"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."
The bipartisan resolution, H.R. 853:
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Designates a “Drowsy Driving Prevention Week” to raise awareness about the dangers of drowsy driving; and
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Encourage people across the United States to take preventable steps against drowsy driving.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration estimates that 100,000 police-reported crashes each year are caused by driving while fatigued. Drowsy Driving Prevention Week will save lives through awareness and prevention.
The text of the bill can be found here.
Rep. Madeleine Dean is a mother, grandmother, attorney, professor, former four-term member of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives, and U.S. Representative for the Fourth District of Pennsylvania.
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