Drowsy Driving Is ‘Quiet Killer Stalking Our Roads,’ New Study Finds

Drowsiness as a factor in road crash deaths is roughly ten times higher than reported in traditional crash data, according to new estimates. Between 2017 and 2021, nearly 18% of all traffic fatalities involved a drowsy driver, accounting for close to 30,000 lost lives. In 2021 alone, about 6,725 people were killed on U.S. roads by drowsy drivers.

Those are some of the findings of a new report by the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety, a nonprofit research and education association. The research, released earlier this month in advance of Daylight Saving Time – which began on Sunday, March 10 – when the darker mornings and lost hours of sleep often will lead to more drowsy drivers. The analysis was based on in-depth crash investigations and national fatal crash data.

Driving while battling the urge to fall asleep is not an uncommon feeling for many, the report noted, but the new analysis revealed “the shocking lethality of drowsy driving” is worse than previously thought. Previous foundation research found that sleep loss is a key component in drowsy driving crashes.

The figures in the new study are far higher than official government statistics, the safety group said, noting that drowsy driving crashes are typically underestimated.

To help drivers become more aware of the seriousness of the problem, AAA Foundation researchers called attention to the various ways drowsiness impairs drivers. These include:

Reduced alertness makes it harder to react quickly to hazards. If a driver has just one hour less than the recommended minimum of seven hours of sleep, the risk of a crash increases.

Impaired judgment increases the risk of making poor decisions when behind the wheel. Sleep deprivation increases a driver’s risk of making many ordinary mistakes, which can lead to crashes. People deprived of sleep by four or more hours have an impairment similar to those who have a BAC (blood alcohol concentration) level over the legal limit.

Hazardous microsleeps (falling asleep very briefly) can cause momentary lapses in consciousness, leading to loss of control of the vehicle and failure to respond to dangers on the road.

Self-perception of drowsiness can cause drivers to often underestimate their drowsiness, putting themselves and others at risk, earlier research by the safety group found.

Researchers provided recommendations in the report to drivers to help them avoid drowsy driving:

• Get enough sleep before driving – at least seven hours every night.
• Travel at times of the day when you are normally awake and avoid driving when tired or sleepy.
• Take breaks every two hours or 100 miles. Plan and identify safe, comfortable places to take breaks, before you get drowsy, and during breaks, get out of the car, stretch your legs, and get fresh air.
• Avoid heavy meals before driving, which can make you feel tired and sluggish.
• Avoid alcohol and drugs, as they can impair your driving ability and amplify drowsiness.
• If you start to feel tired, pull over and take a break. Don’t try to push through it.
• Sharing the driving with another driver — it can help you stay awake and alert.
• Take quick naps. A 20- to 30-minute nap can significantly improve your alertness.

For more information about the study, click here. For more general information about drowsy driving, click here.