More than 11, 000 deaths were attributed to drowsy driving from 2000 to 2010, according to federal statistics.

WSJ: Drowsy driving remains an elusive highway dilemma

Richard Moore said he considered legislation after a constituent's son was killed in a 2002 drowsy driving crash.

WSJ: Drowsy driving remains an elusive highway dilemma

As far as public awareness, drowsy driving is in the dark ages compared to that, but it's just as dangerous.

WSJ: Drowsy driving remains an elusive highway dilemma

"Drowsy driving is something that generally has happened to everyone, " McCormick said.

WSJ: Drowsy driving remains an elusive highway dilemma

In a drowsy driving case late last year, a tour bus driver was acquitted of manslaughter and negligent homicide in a 2011 Bronx crash that killed 15 people.

WSJ: Drowsy driving remains an elusive highway dilemma

New Jersey is the only state that has successfully passed legislation addressing drowsy driving, according to Dan Brown, an Atlanta attorney and member of the National Sleep Foundation board of directors.

WSJ: Drowsy driving remains an elusive highway dilemma

But quantifying drowsy driving is not an exact science, prosecutors say, and laws banning commercial truck and motor coach operators from driving more than 14 hours a day and requiring 10 hours between shifts are flawed because they often rely on the drivers to report those hours themselves.

WSJ: Drowsy driving remains an elusive highway dilemma

At the New York Auto Show this week Ford is showing of some new technology designed to curb drowsy-driving that will be included in all Volvos before 2010.

ENGADGET: Ford wants to wake you up