National Sleep Foundation to Reveal New Insights that Broaden Drowsy Driving Prevention Strategy

Building on its body of population research, NSF's latest national survey results explore opportunities for technology

WASHINGTON, Oct. 20, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- National Sleep Foundation (NSF) today announced a preview of its forthcoming 2026 Drowsy Driving Report, marking the next chapter in the organization's ongoing research into one of the nation's most persistent and preventable roadway safety risks. New findings will be released on October 29 at NSF's Drowsy Driving Forum at the National Press Club in Washington, D.C.

NSF's national surveys have built a growing body of evidence about Americans' attitudes, awareness, and behaviors related to drowsy driving. From documenting the frequency of drowsy driving to capturing the experiences of teen drivers, parents, and families, NSF's research has identified critical gaps between public attitudes and behaviors and actions that can help prevent drowsy driving.

"For several years, the National Sleep Foundation has been building a clearer picture of how Americans understand and respond to drowsy driving as an issue of sleep health and safety," said John Lopos, CEO of the National Sleep Foundation. "The field still has gaps with education and behavior change, so now we're at a point where it's especially important to understand how people view the technologies, tools, and actions that can help keep drivers safe if they still are choosing to drive while sleep deprived"

The research also continues NSF's examination of how Americans recognize the warning signs of drowsy driving and make decisions about getting behind the wheel when they may have insufficient sleep. Findings will inform discussions at NSF's October 29, Drowsy Driving Forum.

"Beyond sleep health, technology has an increasingly important role to play in roadway safety, but understanding how drivers perceive and use these tools is essential," said Mark R. Rosekind, PhD, NSF Board Chair and former Administrator of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. "The new NSF research will add an important public perspective to the discussion. Our Forum will bring together leaders across government, industry, research, and public health to examine how emerging solutions can complement healthy sleep behaviors and help prevent drowsy driving."

The Forum will feature a Leadership Panel with NHTSA Administrator Jonathan Morrison, NTSB Member Thomas Chapman, and Alliance for Automotive Innovation President and CEO John Bozzella. A second panel focused on Solutions & Actions will bring together experts from NSF, the Governors Highway Safety Association (GHSA), Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM), and automotive industry insiders to discuss practical approaches to reducing drowsy driving.

The Forum is a cornerstone of NSF's Drowsy Driving Prevention Initiative and will lead into Drowsy Driving Prevention Week^®, November 1–7, 2026. Together, these efforts advance NSF's commitment to improving sleep health and safety through research, education, practical tools, and collaboration across sectors.

The complete 2026 Drowsy Driving Survey findings will be released on October 29. Attendance at the Forum is complimentary, but advance registration is required. For the full program and registration, visit theNSF.org/Forum.

NSF independently produces Drowsy Driving Prevention Week^® and all related official educational content. Sponsors of NSF's 2026 drowsy driving prevention activities include Higi, Mazda, the National Road Safety Foundation (NRSF), Waymo, WHG, and Zoox. NSF also recognizes the support of collaborating organizations, including the American Academy of Sleep Medicine, Autonomous Vehicle Industry Association, Drowsy Driving Prevention Project, Governors Highway Safety Association, MADD, National Alliance to Stop Impaired Driving, NOYS, PAVE, SADD, Truck Safety Coalition, and Advocates for Highway and Auto Safety.

About Drowsy Driving
Drowsy driving is impaired driving and accounts for an estimated one in five fatal crashes on U.S. roads. Although 95% of Americans recognize drowsy driving as dangerous, nearly two-thirds report having driven while so tired they had difficulty keeping their eyes open. Among new drivers, one in six teens report driving drowsy within their first two years behind the wheel.

About the National Sleep Foundation
There's only one National Sleep Foundation (NSF). NSF is an independent nonprofit organization dedicated to improving health and well-being through sleep education and advocacy. Founded in 1990, NSF is committed to advancing excellence in sleep health theory, research, and practice. For over 35 years, NSF has promoted sleep health through expert recommendations, consensus guidelines, tech standards, and easy-to-use evidence-based tips and tools to improve the public's sleep and safety.

For more information about NSF, visit www.theNSF.org | SleepHealthJournal.org

SOURCE National Sleep Foundation