National Sleep Foundation's Expert Panel on Drowsy Driving Prevention Set for 2026 Forum

National Sleep Foundation's Expert Panel on Drowsy Driving Prevention Set for 2026 Forum



The National Sleep Foundation (NSF) is gearing up for an impactful event as it announces an assembly of distinguished experts for its upcoming Solutions & Actions Panel at the 2026 NSF Drowsy Driving Forum. Set to take place on October 29, 2026, at the National Press Club in Washington, D.C., the panel aims to move beyond mere awareness, focusing instead on actionable solutions derived from the latest research on drowsy driving.

Expert Panel Composition


The forum's discussions will bring together leading figures from various fields, including government, research, sleep health, roadway safety, and relevant industries. The following notable experts will contribute their insights:

  • - Joseph Dzierzewski, PhD: Senior Vice President, Research and Scientific Affairs, National Sleep Foundation
  • - Jonathan Adkins: CEO, Governors Highway Safety Association
  • - David Harkey: President, Insurance Institute for Highway Safety
  • - Fariha Abbasi-Feinberg, MD: President, American Academy of Sleep Medicine
  • - Jamie Butters: Veteran Automotive Journalist and Host of Autotown Radio Show and Podcast

The panel will be moderated by Mark R. Rosekind, PhD, a recognized authority in sleep health and safety, who also served as a former Administrator of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). John Lopos, the current CEO of NSF, will open and conclude the event, reinforcing the importance of collaborative efforts in road safety.

Focus on Practical Strategies


Following up on the Leadership Panel's discussions, the Solutions & Actions Panel aims to delve deeper into practical strategies based on the newly released NSF research regarding drowsy driving. Participants will explore not just the problems, but also potential solutions that can significantly mitigate sleep-related vehicle crashes. This includes insights from NSF's 2026 Drowsy Driving Survey, which examines contemporary issues surrounding drowsy driving while emphasizing healthy sleep's role in enhancing driving safety.

“Meaningful progress in addressing drowsy driving requires translating research into proactive solutions,” highlighted Rosekind. “This panel unites leaders from various sectors who can utilize fresh evidence and share actionable insights to advance safer driving practices.”

John Lopos also underscored the urgency for organizations committed to public health and safety, stating, “Now is the time for collaborative efforts to save lives. By fostering a forum focused on practical, evidence-based solutions and tools, we can collectively incite significant positive change.”

Expanding Drowsy Driving Prevention


The NSF Drowsy Driving Forum is a pivotal part of the organization’s extensive year-round Drowsy Driving Prevention Program. This comprehensive program encompasses public education, rigorous scientific research, strategic partnerships, and national leadership aimed at decreasing fatigue-related crashes while enhancing roadway safety across the nation.

Drowsy driving is a critical issue; it represents a form of impaired driving that contributes to an estimated one in five fatal traffic incidents in the U.S. A striking disconnect exists where 95% of Americans acknowledge the danger of drowsy driving, yet nearly two-thirds admit to having driven while drowsy. Alarmingly, among new drivers, one in six teens reported experiencing drowsy driving within their first two years on the road.

As the NSF continues its advocacy for sleep health through research and education, they reinforce the notion that public awareness must translate into actionable and collaborative steps to address the growing concern of drowsy driving effectively.

For more information about the forum, registration details, and to stay updated on the NSF's initiatives, visit National Sleep Foundation's official website and SleepHealthJournal.org.

Together, with concerted efforts and expert collaboration, the NSF aims for a future where safer roads are a reality for everyone.

Topics Health)

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