Poor sleep is one of the biggest blind spots inroad safety: Discovery Insure research

Discovery Insure research shows that poor and inconsistent sleep — particularly missing sleep over several consecutive nights, known as sleep debt — is one of the strongest predictors of vehicle accident risk, up to five times more predictive than traditional insurance risk factors. The findings have led to the launch of Vitality Drive Sleep Points to encourage healthier sleep habits and ultimately make South Africa’s roads safer. Poor sleep may be one of the biggest blind spots in road safety, according to research from Discovery Insure.

Drawing on four years of driving and sleep data, the research shows that missing sleep over several consecutive nights is one of the strongest predictors of motor vehicle accident risk, highlighting an often-overlooked factor that could help prevent vehicle accidents. The research links four years of sleep data from more than 10 000 Discovery Insure drivers with their driving behaviour and accident outcomes, making it one of the largest studies of its kind conducted in South Africa. The findings led to the launch of Vitality Drive Sleep Points, a new feature within the Vitality Drive programme that rewards healthier sleep habits as part of Discovery Insure’s commitment to help make South African roads safer.

“Breathalysers can detect alcohol impairment, a visible and well-understood risk factor for accidents. Driver fatigue, by contrast, has until now been largely invisible,” says Robert Attwell, CEO of Discovery Insure. Sleep affects concentration, reaction time and decision making, all of which directly influence driving behaviour and outcomes.

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Our research suggests that poor sleep is up to five times more predictive of motor vehicle accident risk than traditional insurance risk factors considered in isolation. “That points to a significant blind spot in how driving risk has traditionally been understood, both locally and globally.” Sleep debt is a powerful driver of accidentsOne of the clearest findings is that it’s not just one night of poor sleep that matters. Missing sleep over several consecutive nights — known as sleep debt — has an even greater impact on accident risk.

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