It is considered that with appropriate education, the problem of drivers falling asleep at the wheel could be mostly prevented. Public educational material from 18 countries was requested and reviewed. Apart from the UK the most materials have been produced by Australia and the USA. Publicity methods used include public service announcements, billboards, media articles, advertisements, and publicity leaflets. In the USA there have also been media interviews with sleep experts, presentations to schools, driver education classes, interactive CD-ROMs and videos. In Western Australia and New York State certain roadside establishments innovatively offered free coffee to encourage motorists to take a break, and publicity material was provided at the time. Three approaches have emerged: to educate the public and produce social disapproval of driving while sleepy, to educate high-risk population groups, and to educate opinion-formers such as teachers, driving instructors and the police.
Abstract