American Medical Association House Of Delegates Resolution 418: Sleepy Driving

Introduced by: Minnesota Delegation

Referred to: Reference Committee D – Public Health (Willarda Edwards, MD, Chair)

The following incorporates amendments as adopted by the AMA House of Delegates, December 1999. Source: Preliminary reports of the AMA House of Delegates at its 1999 Interim Meeting. AMA cautions that such reports should not be considered final and that only the Official Proceedings of the House of Delegates reflect official policy of the association.

Whereas, Motor vehicle crashes are a leading cause of injury and death in the United States; and

Whereas, The safe operation of a motor vehicle requires alertness as well as quick and accurate perception, judgment, and action; and

Whereas, Analyses performed by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) estimate that 1%-3% of U.S. highway crashes and 4% of fatal motor vehicle crashes are caused by driver sleepiness; and

Whereas, Surveys indicate that many individuals have experienced excessive sleepiness while driving, while 60% of sleep-related crashes are attributable to drivers younger than 30; and

Whereas, The reasons for sleepiness in drivers include sleep disorders (e.g., obstructive sleep apnea), sleep deprivation, and cumulative sleep loss; and

Whereas, Physicians have an important role in preventing sleep-related injuries and deaths by assessment and follow-up of excessive sleepiness in their patients and discussion of possible health and safety implications; and

Whereas, Physicians should be alert to the possibility that patients may be impaired by alcoholism and other medical conditions that can affect driving capabilities; and

Whereas, Physicians need to understand the range of sleep disorders, including their diagnosis, treatment, and consequences; and

Whereas, Many drivers, without impact, instinctively open the windows, turn up the radio, and/or drink caffeine to fight sleepiness while driving; and

Whereas, Drivers education courses provide an important opportunity to teach new drivers about the dangers of driving while sleeping; and

Whereas, Educational campaigns to emphasize the fact that sleep is a biological imperative and that sleepiness is neither a minor annoyance nor the sign of a personality defect are recommended to address sleepiness while driving; therefore be it

RESOLVED, That the American Medical Association define sleepiness behind the wheel as a major public health issue and encourage a national public education campaign by appropriate federal agencies and relevant advocacy groups, and be it further

RESOLVED, That the American Medical Association encourage all state medical associations to promote the incorporation of an educational component on the dangers of driving while sleepy in all drivers education classes (for all age groups) in each state.