National Sleep Foundation Scales Up Drowsy Driving Prevention Efforts

The organization’s 2026 Drowsy Driving Forum, set for October 29 at the National Press Club in Washington, D.C., will move beyond traditional advocacy to host two expert panels. These sessions are designed to bridge the gap between clinical sleep medicine, automotive industry standards, and federal transportation policy. Mark R. Rosekind, former head of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, will moderate the discussions, which aim to convert raw data into actionable safety measures for the public.

The event precedes Drowsy Driving Prevention Week, running November 1–7. This year’s programming includes the exclusive release of 2026 survey data, intended to provide an empirical foundation for new safety strategies. Despite 95% of Americans acknowledging the dangers of operating a vehicle while sleep-deprived, the prevalence of "fall-asleep" crashes remains high, particularly among younger drivers. By shifting from periodic campaigns to a continuous program of research and public engagement, the foundation seeks to elevate sleep health as a critical component of national roadway safety.