Citation

Yoss RE. Proc. Am. Assoc. Automot. Med. Annu. Conf. 1969; 13: 269-292.

Copyright

(Copyright © 1969, Association for the Advancement of Automotive Medicine)

DOI

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PMID

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Abstract

Four years ago I presented a paper entitled "The Sleepy Driver" at the annual meeting of this association. I pointed out the variations in the ability to remain awake and alert in our adult population. The problem of the automobile driver who was at the sleepy end of this spectrum was discussed, both for those with narcolepsy and for those in the milder "sleepy normal" group. But recognizing the dangers of drowsiness or sleep while driving was of little value after the accident had occurred. Of more value would be a method of detecting the potential sleepy driver before he has accidents. This factor in the causation of accidents is largely ignored in our standards for licensing of drivers, because we have had no test for measuring ability to maintain alertness. The question "Can you keep alert while driving?" would probably always be answered in the affirmative by an applicant for a drivers license and, therefore, would be valueless.

Since the meeting 4 years ago we have developed a test to measure objectively the problem of keeping awake in "sleepy people" as well as to assess the efficacy of treatment. We believe this test can now be applied to all persons as an objective measurement of their ability to maintain alertness; such data should be incorporated into the total assessment of the operator of the motor vehicle on our public highways.