Crash risk perception of sleepy driving and its comparisons with drink driving and speeding: which behavior is perceived as the riskiest?

, , , & (2016) Crash risk perception of sleepy driving and its comparisons with drink driving and speeding: which behavior is perceived as the riskiest? Traffic Injury Prevention, 17(4), pp. 400-405.

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  • Objective Driver sleepiness is a major crash risk factor, but may be under-recognized as a risky driving behavior. Sleepy driving is usually rated as less of a road safety issue than more well-known risky driving behaviors, such as drink driving and speeding. The objective of this study was to compare perception of crash risk of sleepy driving, drink driving, and speeding. - Methods In total, 300 Australian drivers completed a questionnaire that assessed crash risk perceptions for sleepy driving, drink driving, and speeding. Additionally, the participants perception of crash risk was assessed for five different contextual scenarios that included different levels of sleepiness (low, high), driving duration (short, long), and time of day/circadian influences (afternoon, night-time) of driving. - Results The analysis confirmed that sleepy driving was considered a risky driving behavior, but not as risky as high levels of speeding (p < .05). Yet, the risk of crashing at 4 am was considered as equally risky as low levels of speeding (10 km over the limit). The comparisons of the contextual scenarios revealed driving scenarios that would arguably be perceived as quite risky due to time of day/circadian influences were not reported as high risk. - Conclusions The results suggest a lack of awareness or appreciation of circadian rhythm functioning, particularly the descending phase of circadian rhythm that promotes increased sleepiness in the afternoon and during the early hours of the morning. Yet, the results suggested an appreciation of the danger associated with long distance driving and driver sleepiness. Further efforts are required to improve the community’s awareness of the impairing effects from sleepiness and in particular, knowledge regarding the human circadian rhythm and the increased sleep propensity during the circadian nadir.

Impact and interest:

18 citations in Scopus
11 citations in Web of Science®
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ID Code: 90201
Item Type: Contribution to Journal (Journal Article)
Refereed: Yes
ORCID iD:
Watling, Christopherorcid.org/0000-0002-1440-2401
Obst, Patriciaorcid.org/0000-0001-7977-7821
Measurements or Duration: 6 pages
Keywords: Australian drivers, Crask risk perception, drink driving, sleepy driving, speeding
DOI: 10.1080/15389588.2015.1096350
ISSN: 1538-957X
Pure ID: 33015113
Divisions: Past > QUT Faculties & Divisions > Faculty of Health
Past > Institutes > Institute of Health and Biomedical Innovation
Current > Research Centres > CARRS-Q Centre for Future Mobility
Copyright Owner: Consult author(s) regarding copyright matters
Copyright Statement: This work is covered by copyright. Unless the document is being made available under a Creative Commons Licence, you must assume that re-use is limited to personal use and that permission from the copyright owner must be obtained for all other uses. If the document is available under a Creative Commons License (or other specified license) then refer to the Licence for details of permitted re-use. It is a condition of access that users recognise and abide by the legal requirements associated with these rights. If you believe that this work infringes copyright please provide details by email to qut.copyright@qut.edu.au
Deposited On: 13 Nov 2015 05:27
Last Modified: 10 Jul 2024 20:41