According to recent data from the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety, sleepy drivers were involved in roughly 30,000 traffic deaths nationally between 2017 and 2021, or about 18% of all traffic deaths. This is ten times larger than the total in traditional crash statistics.
In 2021 alone, sleepy drivers caused the loss of approximately 6,725 lives.
Due to the Daylight Savings Time change that takes effect this Sunday, March 10, at 2 a.m., more people may drive while sleep-deprived because of the darker mornings.
Drivers who don’t get enough sleep are often responsible for underreported accidents. According to the NHTSA, traffic safety, sleep research, and public health organizations underestimate the impact of drowsy driving. The most recent AAA Traffic Safety Culture Index finds that 95% of drivers view driving when they have a hard time keeping their eyes open as very or extremely dangerous, but 18% reported doing so in the previous 30 days before the survey.
Drowsiness affects drivers in a variety of ways:
Reduced alertness makes it difficult to respond promptly to risks. A driver’s risk of an accident increases by just one hour when they sleep less than the minimum of seven hours suggested by experts.
AAA offers valuable advice for drivers to stay safe on the road: They recommend getting enough sleep before driving, aiming for at least seven hours per night, and traveling during times when you’re typically awake. It’s crucial to take breaks every two hours or 100 miles, stretching your legs and getting fresh air to combat fatigue. Additionally, avoiding heavy meals before driving and refraining from alcohol and drugs can help maintain alertness. Listening to your body’s signals is key—if you feel tired, pull over for a break. Sharing driving duties with an alert passenger can also help you stay awake. And if you need a quick pick-me-up, don’t underestimate the power of a 20- to 30-minute nap to improve alertness.
