Driver Sleepiness Alert System For Trucks And Cars

It has been estimated that approximately 20% of vehicle accidents have sleep deprivation as a cause. Between 1989 and 1993, it has been estimated that an average of 1,544 people were killed annually in the US as a result of sleep-deprived driving. Accidents related to sleep deprivation are most likely to happen in the early to midafternoon, and in the very early morning hours. Sleep deprivation was blamed a major cause of the Selby rail crash in which 10 people died and 82 were injured.

The reason that accidents are mostly likely to happen during the early to midafternoon may have to do with the biological time clock. Each person’s body has its own. Most people run on a daily rhythm of approximately 24 hours, but this can vary from person to person. The reason night time driving is so risky is because sleep becomes an irresistible urge especially from about midnight until 6 a.m. A sleepy period is also “programmed” for the afternoon which makes that a risky time.