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Substantial epidemiological evidence shows that drowsy drivers are more likely to have accidents, and drowsy driving is a particular problem for night-shift workers. Drowsy drivers are involved in about 20% of fatal crashes and have fivefold higher risk for crashes or near-crashes.
A research team from Boston directly tested driving performance and sleep physiology in 16 night-shift workers who wore head electrodes that measured brain waves, eye movements, and blink duration, while they drove on a special testing track. Each worker was tested under two conditions: after 7 hours of sleep and after a night shift. Following night shifts, participants drove less well (e.g., more weaving between lanes), and problems were evident as soon as they s…