Evaluating the effects of supplemental rest areas on freeway crashes caused by drowsy driving

The results showed that the supplemental rest areas reduced freeway crashes caused by drowsy driving by 14%. The supplemental rest areas were most effective in reducing drowsy driving related crashes particularly in freeway sections with 2 or 3 travel lanes or with ramps. As the first data-driven study evaluating the effects of these supplemental rest areas, the results imply that supplemental rest areas provide more opportunities to avoid drowsy driving, and, therefore they should be encouraged for freeways as cost-effective safety improvement facilities.