An Erie Insurance survey reveals that Americans are experiencing increased drowsiness when driving, posing greater safety risks on the road.
You know the feeling: you’re cruising down the highway, and suddenly, you realize you can’t remember the last few miles you’ve driven. Or maybe your eyelids start to feel like they weigh a ton, so you turn up the radio, roll down the window and grip the steering wheel a little more tightly in a desperate attempt to stay alert. These moments might seem harmless, but they’re warning signs of something dangerous: drowsy driving.
In fact, data shows a more than 40% increase in claims where the driver either “fell asleep” or “blacked out” behind the wheel between 2020 and 2024. This prompted Erie Insurance to want to learn more.
A new Erie Insurance survey shows that more Americans than ever are getting behind the wheel while sleep-deprived, putting themselves and others at serious risk.
The Alarming Numbers
The survey revealed startling statistics about just how common—and dangerous—sleep-related driving issues have become:
- 14% of drivers admit to having actually fallen asleep behind the wheel.
- 32% say they’ve felt drowsy while driving at least once a year.
- 11% have driven after being awake for more than 24 hours.
- Only 38% get the recommended 7–8 hours of sleep each night.
- 11% get 4 or fewer hours of sleep, creating an extreme risk for fatigue.
- 42% of drivers report feeling the most tired between 10 p.m. and 3 a.m.
Why Drowsy Driving Is So Dangerous
Driving while tired affects reaction times, attention span and decision-making, similar to the effects of alcohol. In fact, studies show that going without sleep for 24 hours can impair driving as much as having a blood alcohol concentration above the legal limit. The problem is compounded by the fact that many drivers underestimate just how tired they are or overestimate their ability to push through.
Breaking the Cycle of Sleep Deprivation
While life’s demands make it tempting to cut back on sleep, the risks on the road simply aren’t worth it. Erie Insurance recommends several practical steps to help drivers get more rest and stay safe:
- Meditate to reduce stress before bedtime.
- Eat a balanced diet to maintain steady energy throughout the day.
- Reduce screen time to avoid disrupting your body’s natural sleep cues.
- Exercise regularly to improve sleep quality.
- Spend time with loved ones to boost emotional well-being.
- Create a sleep routine to help your body recognize when it’s time to rest.
A Safer Road Starts With Better Sleep
The next time you find yourself fighting to keep your eyes open behind the wheel, remember your safety—and the safety of everyone on the road—depends on your alertness. Take action to keep yourself, and others, safe.
- Pull over in a safe location: Find a rest stop, parking lot or another safe area. Even a short 15–20-minute nap can help restore alertness.
- Switch drivers: If you have a passenger with a valid license who is rested, trade seats.
- Consume caffeine: Drinking coffee or another caffeinated beverage can help temporarily, but it takes about 20–30 minutes to kick in—and it’s no substitute for real sleep.
Tricks like blasting cold air, chewing gum, or cranking up the radio’s volume might give a very short boost, but they do not cure fatigue. Once drowsiness sets in, only sleep will truly restore your driving ability.
Plan your trips so you’re well rested, avoid driving at your body’s natural low points (late at night or very early in the morning) and take regular breaks every 2 hours or 100 miles.
Rest Isn’t a Luxury—It’s a Safety Feature
Every time you start your car, you’re making choices that affect not just your life but the lives of everyone you pass on the road. Getting adequate sleep is as critical to safe driving as wearing your seat belt or keeping your eyes on the road. Treat it like part of your safety checklist. Because when you choose to rest, you’re not just protecting yourself—you’re making the road safer for everyone.