Many people believe drunk driving is by far the biggest risk on the roads, but there’s another danger that’s nearly as deadly and far more common: drowsy driving.

Roughly 6,400 people die each year in car accidents involving drowsy drivers. That’s nearly as many as the 10,000 or so killed by drunk drivers. Additionally, drowsy driving causes over 300,000 crashes annually.

Most people go their whole lives without running into a public service announcement warning against driving while tired. But there should be much more urgency from lawmakers and safety organizations on the matter, as the statistics show that drowsy driving kills.

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Key Statistics on Drowsy Driving in the U.S.

Let’s look at the impact of drowsy driving in a few telling numbers:

  • In 2017, the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration (NHTSA) reported 91,000 crashes linked to drowsy driving, which resulted in 800 deaths and 50,000 injuries
  • In 2021, authorities estimated 684 deaths linked to driving while drowsy
  • That same year, drowsy driving accounted for 2.2% of fatal crashes involving drivers and motorcycle operators
  • In 2022, NHTSA reported 693 deaths due to drowsy driving
  • A study from the American Automobile Association (AAA) Foundation for Traffic Safety’s study estimates that 328,000 drowsy driving crashes occur every year
  • The nation averages 328,000 drowsy driving crashes annually, resulting in about 109,000 injuries and 6,400 fatalities
  • Drowsy driving costs society approximately $109 billion each year, without factoring in property damage
  • About 5% of drivers in 12 states claim to have fallen asleep while driving

To further complicate things, drowsy driving is hard to measure. There’s no breathalyzer for fatigue, and drivers often won’t admit that they have been nodding off. Consequently, the actual numbers are likely even higher than the official statistics.

Patterns in Drowsy Driving Accidents

At highway speeds, a few seconds is all it takes for disaster to strike. NHTSA reports that most drowsy driving accidents follow these patterns:

  • Most crashes occur between midnight and 6:00 AM, or in the midafternoon lull
  • Crashes often involve a single car running off a rural highway
  • The driver is usually alone

Most of us have driven tired at some point. We try to tell ourselves we’re fine and that we can power through it—but our brains don’t work that way.

When you’re sleep-deprived, your reaction time slows dramatically, and you become less aware of your surroundings. In the worst case, you could experience “microsleeps,” nodding off for just a few seconds without realizing it.

The Impacts of Drowsy Driving

The level of impairment from drowsy driving is eerily similar to that of drunk driving. Studies have shown that being awake for 18 hours straight causes impairment equal to a blood alcohol level of 0.05%. At 24 hours, it’s equivalent to 0.10%, which is well over the legal limit.

There’s no law against driving tired, so the police won’t pull you over for yawning too much. However, as a driver, you should be on the lookout for the following signs:

  • Lack of alertness
  • Mood swings or instability
  • Neurological issues like blurred vision, memory lapse, and poor reaction time
  • Higher stress levels
  • Poor concentration

If you find yourself exhibiting any of these symptoms, pull over and recharge.

How to Prevent Drowsy Driving Crashes

Drowsy driving accidents are largely preventable—you don’t have to get behind the wheel if you’re sleepy or tired. Here are other preventive measures:

  • Take sleep more seriously—the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommend that adults get seven to nine hours per night, yet over a third of Americans don’t get enough sleep on a regular basis
  • Make sure you’re well-rested if you’re embarking on a long drive and take breaks every couple of hours
  • If you find yourself nodding off, pull over and take a brief nap
  • Drink coffee to stay alert for short periods and get to your destination safely
  • If you’re a truck driver, make sure you get adequate rest between shifts
  • Some newer cars can detect signs of drowsy driving and alert the driver
  • If you’re on medication, confirm that drowsiness isn’t one of the side effects before driving

Realistically, it can be hard to be in top shape every time you get behind the wheel. As a general rule, however, you should try to prioritize sleep and keep in mind that drowsy driving endangers not only you and your passengers, but other road users as well.

Drowsy Driving Prevention Week

Every year, Drowsy Driving Prevention Week strives to raise awareness of the dangers of falling asleep on the road. This year, the campaign takes place on November 3-9. You can participate by sharing these eye-opening statistics and discussing the issue with those close to you.