Drowsy driving accounts for an estimated 1 in 5 fatal motor vehicle crashes on US roads, yet it rarely makes headlines the way drunk driving does.
Six in 10 drivers say they have driven when they were so tired they had trouble keeping their eyes open. That's over 150 million drivers who have put themselves and everyone else on the road at risk.
Most people know drowsy driving is dangerous, but many don't realize that getting behind the wheel without enough sleep is a form of impaired driving. Sleepiness slows reaction time, reduces awareness, and impairs judgment, all of which raise the risk of a crash. Drivers who have slept only 3 to 5 hours in the past 24 hours are unfit to drive, and getting less than 6 hours of sleep triples your risk of falling asleep at the wheel.
Who is most at risk?
Anyone can drive drowsy, but some groups face higher risk:
Young drivers (ages 16–25): Teens and young adults often don't get the sleep they need, and limited driving experience makes drowsiness even more dangerous. An estimated 1.7 million teens report having driven drowsy.
Shift workers: Working early mornings, late nights, or rotating shifts disrupts your body's natural sleep schedule and makes the drive home especially risky.
People with long or packed work weeks: Working more than 60 hours a week increases the risk of drowsy driving by 40%.
Parents and caregivers: Nighttime wake-ups, early mornings, and competing demands can leave caregivers chronically short on sleep.
People with untreated sleep disorders: Conditions such as sleep apnea can cause excessive daytime sleepiness, even after what seems like a full night in bed.
8 warning signs of drowsy driving
Pull over as soon as it’s safe if you notice any of these signs.
Trouble focusing, frequent blinking, or heavy eyelids
Daydreaming, wandering eyes, or disconnected thoughts
Trouble remembering the last few miles driven
Missing an exit or ignoring traffic signs
Yawning repeatedly or rubbing your eyes
Trouble keeping your head up or nodding off
Drifting from your lane, tailgating, or hitting a rumble strip
Feeling restless, irritable, or aggravated by everyday annoyances like traffic
Evidence-based tips to prevent drowsy driving
Preventing drowsy driving isn't about willpower or an extra cup of coffee. It starts with sleep.
Get enough sleep every night. Most adults need 7–9 hours, and teens need 8–10 hours.
Prioritize sleep before long trips. Make getting a good night's sleep part of your travel plan.
Plan ahead. Map out rest stops on long drives and take a break about every 2 hours or 100 miles.
Bring a passenger. A companion can watch for early signs of fatigue and take over driving when needed.
Avoid driving during your body's natural low points, such as late at night and mid-afternoon.
Every trip matters
Whether it's your morning commute, the drive home after a late shift, or a holiday road trip, every trip counts. Before you start the car, ask yourself: Am I alert enough to keep myself, my passengers, and everyone else on the road safe?
The National Sleep Foundation holds Drowsy Driving Prevention Week® every year to raise awareness about the dangers of drowsy driving. NSF encourages everyone to prioritize sleep and drive when alert and refreshed. For more information about drowsy driving and other sleep health tips, visit www.theNSF.org and follow NSF on Facebook: @NationalSleepFoundation and Instagram: @SleepFoundation.