Drowsy
DRIVING
THE DANGER IS REAL. THE WARNING SIGNS MATTER.
Drowsy driving can happen to anyone at any time. When you’re more tired than you realize, your ability to drive safely can be seriously impaired.
Drowsy driving is a serious and often underestimated risk.
1 IN 4
U.S. ADULTS
U.S. ADULTS
Report getting less than the recommended amount of sleep.
(Source: CDC)
1 IN 25
DRIVERS
DRIVERS
Report falling asleep while driving in the past 30 days
. (Source: AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety)
~1 IN 5
FATAL CRASHES
FATAL CRASHES
May involve drowsy driving.
(Source: NHTSA)
7+ HOURS
OF SLEEP
OF SLEEP
Is recommended for most adults for optimal safety and performance.
(Source: National Sleep Foundation)
AAA Foundationfor Traffic Safety
Drowsy Driving by the Numbers
New AAA research shows drowsy driving is a bigger problem than many realize.
17.6%
of fatal crashes (2017–2021) involved a drowsy driver.
29,834
deaths
in drowsy-driving crashes over 5 years.
Highest Risk
11 P.M. – 2:59 A.M.
Largest number of fatal drowsy-driving crashes.
Drivers
16 – 20
had the highest proportion of drowsy drivers in fatal crashes.
Source: AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety. Drowsy Driving in Fatal Crashes, United States, 2017–2021.
Fatigue & Alcohol
Fatigue can impair driving much like alcohol.
The longer you stay awake, the more your driving ability declines. Being awake for extended periods can impair judgment, slow reaction time, and reduce your ability to stay in your lane – similar to the effects of alcohol.
TEENS & YOUNG ADULTS
Less sleep and more irregular schedules.
SHIFT WORKERS
Irregular hours disrupt natural sleep cycles.
COMMERCIAL DRIVERS
Long hours on the road.
UNTREATED SLEEP DISORDERS
Conditions like sleep apnea increase risk.
MEDICATIONS
Some medications can cause drowsiness.
LONG OR LATE DRIVES
Overnight travel and extended time behind the wheel.
Driving late at night or early in the morning
After a long day or not enough sleep
On long, monotonous routes
During times that normally match your sleep schedule (e.g., 2–6 a.m.)
Pay attention to these common signs of drowsy driving. If you notice them, it’s time to stop and rest.
HEAVY EYELIDS
FREQUENT YAWNING
LANE DRIFTING
MISSING SIGNS/EXITS
MEMORY GAPS
HEAD NODDING
TROUBLE FOCUSING
Pay attention to these common signs of drowsy driving. If you notice them, it’s time to stop and rest.
"I can just open the windows."
"Loud music will keep me awake."
"Caffeine alone is enough."
"I can push one more mile."
Fresh air may help you feel more alert, but it won't eliminate fatigue.
Music can help temporarily, but it does not replace sleep.
Caffeine may provide short-term alertness, but it is not a substitute for sleep.
Fatigue gets worse the longer you drive. It's safer to stop and rest.
GET ADEQUATE SLEEP
Aim for 7+ hours of quality sleep per night (8–10 hours for teens).
STOP TO REST
If you feel drowsy, pull over at a safe location and take a break. Even a short nap can help.
SHORT-TERM COUNTERMEASURES
DO NOT REPLACE SLEEP
Caffeine, music, and fresh air may help temporarily, but they are not long-term solutions.
KNOW THE SIGNS. STOP. REST. ARRIVE ALIVE.
TRUSTED INFORMATION. STRONGER ROADS TOGETHER.
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
AAA Foundation For Traffic Safety
National Sleep Foundation
