DID YOU KNOW?
Driving after being awake for more than 20 hours is comparable to driving with a blood alcohol content of 0.08% — the legal limit in most states. [2] Fatigue behind the wheel can be just as dangerous as alcohol or drugs.
STAY INFORMED
- Drowsy driving results in an estimated 50,000 injuries and 800 deaths in the U.S. each year — and the real numbers may be even higher. [3]
- According to the NHTSA, drowsy driving is likely underreported because fatigue is hard to detect after a crash. [2]
- About 1 in 25 adult drivers admit to having fallen asleep at the wheel in the past 30 days. [2]
- Drowsiness reduces attention, slows reaction time, and impairs decision-making — even if you don’t actually fall asleep. [2]
HELPFUL TIPS
1. Get Enough Sleep
- Adults should aim for at least 7 hours of sleep each night to maintain alertness and reaction time behind the wheel. [2]
2. Avoid Driving During Peak Sleepiness Hours
- Drowsiness tends to peak between midnight and 6 AM, and in the late afternoon. Avoid long drives during these windows if possible. [3]
3. Use Short-Term Countermeasures, but Don’t Rely on Them
- If you feel tired while driving, drink 1–2 cups of coffee and pull over for a short nap. These can help in the short term, but are not substitutes for sleep. [3]
DROWSY DRIVING SAFETY REMINDER
You wouldn’t drive drunk — so don’t drive drowsy. Fatigue is just as dangerous and far more common. Rest before you drive, and pull over at the first signs of sleepiness. Your life — and the lives of others — depend on it.