Avoid drowsy driving and keep yourself safe from injuries. Learn about the risks of drowsy driving and find ways to stay alert on the road.
Sleeping in the car
Drowsy driving is a significant cause of severe injuries and often results in fatal traffic accidents. It is a hazardous combination of being behind the wheel and being sleepy or tired, often resulting from insufficient rest. Still, it can also stem from untreated sleep disorders, medication side effects, drinking alcohol, or working shifts that disrupt your sleep pattern.
The risk, danger, and often tragic results of tired driving are alarming.
No one knows the exact moment when sleep comes over their body. Falling asleep at the wheel is clearly dangerous, but being sleepy affects your ability to drive safely even if you don’t fall asleep.
Sleep deprivation:
- Makes you less able to pay attention to the road.
- Slows reaction time if you have to brake or steer suddenly.
- Affects your ability to make good decisions.
Drowsy driving is dangerously common.
It’s shocking but true: sleep-deprived driving poses a significant public health challenge, leading to thousands of accidents and tragically affecting lives every year. A recent 2024 survey highlights that many remain passionate about fulfilling their plans, even after just a few hours of sleep. Nearly half of drivers shared that they often choose to hit the road with only 3 to 4 hours of rest. Awareness is the first step to change, and together we can tackle this issue!
Who’s more likely to drive drowsy?
- Drivers who do not get enough sleep.
- Commercial drivers who operate vehicles such as tow trucks, tractor-trailers, and buses.
- Shift workers (who work the night shift or long shifts).
- Drivers with untreated sleep disorders such as sleep apnea, where breathing repeatedly stops and starts.
- Drivers who use medications that make them sleepy.
Take a break as soon as you notice these signs:
- Yawning or blinking frequently.
- Difficulty remembering the past few miles driven.
- Missing your exit.
- Drifting from your lane.
- Hitting a rumble strip on the side of the road.
How can you stay alert while driving?
- Get enough sleep! Most adults need at least 7 hours of sleep a day, while teens need at least 8 hours.
- Develop good sleeping habits, such as sticking to a sleep schedule.
- If you have a sleep disorder or have symptoms of a sleep disorder, such as snoring or feeling sleepy during the day, talk to your doctor about treatment options.
- Avoid drinking alcohol or taking medications that make you sleepy. Be sure to check the label on any medications or talk to your pharmacist.
If you have any of these warning signs, pull over to rest or change drivers. Simply turning up the radio or opening the window is not an effective way to keep you alert. For more information on warning signs, visit the American Academy of Sleep Medicine.
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