Drowsy Driving: Stay Alert, Stay Alive

Drowsy Driving: Stay Alert, Stay Alive

Drowsy driving is a dangerous choice with serious consequences. Just like impaired driving, choosing to drive while fatigued puts you and everyone else on the road at risk. The good news is that drowsy driving is preventable.

Drowsy Driving in Utah: The Numbers

This table provides an overview of drowsy driving fatalities and crashes in Utah over recent years.

Year Drowsy Driving Fatalities Drowsy-Related Crashes Total Roadway Fatalities
2025 YTD (06/10/25) 0 344 98
2024 7 918 277
2023 1 897 279
2022 5 1,008 319
2021 13 1,090 332
2020 4 974 276

Key Data Insights:

  • Positive Trend in Fatalities: We've seen a general downward trend in drowsy driving fatalities since a peak in 2021, with a notable low of 1 fatality in 2023.
  • Consistent Crashes: The number of drowsy-related crashes remains relatively stable, hovering between 900-1100 annually. This shows that while fatalities fluctuate, drowsy driving incidents are consistently happening.
  • 2021 Peak: 2021 saw the highest numbers for both drowsy driving fatalities (13) and crashes (1,090) in this period.
  • Early 2025 Promising: As of June 10, 2025, there have been no drowsy driving fatalities. However, with 344 crashes already, continued vigilance is crucial.

Know the Risk: When Drowsy Driving Happens

  • It's a Choice: Drowsy driving, like impaired driving, is preventable. Prioritize sleep to be a safer driver.
  • High-Risk Times: Peak times for drowsy driving crashes are 6-7 AM and 4 PM.
  • "Fall Back" Time Change: Be especially cautious during the "fall back" time change, as it can disrupt sleep patterns.
  • Young Drivers at Higher Risk: Nearly half of all drowsy driving crashes involve someone under the age of 25.

Are You at Risk? Ask Yourself These Questions Before Driving:

Before getting behind the wheel, consider these factors that increase your risk of drowsy driving:

  • Sleep Deprivation: Are you sleep-deprived or chronically fatigued? Less than 6 hours of sleep triples your risk of falling asleep while driving.
  • Sleep Problems: Do you regularly suffer from sleep disorders or problems?
  • Long Trips: Are you planning to drive long distances without proper rest breaks?
  • Timing: Will you be driving through the night, mid-afternoon, or when you would normally be asleep?
  • Medication: Are you taking any medications that cause drowsiness (e.g., antidepressants, cold tablets, antihistamines)?
  • Work Hours: Have you been working more than 60 hours a week? A tightly-packed work schedule increases your risk of drowsy driving by 40%.
  • Shift Work: Do you work more than one job, especially if your main job involves shift work?
  • Alcohol Consumption: Even a small amount of alcohol can significantly impair your body's ability to stay alert.

Who is Most At-Risk?

Research identifies five key groups with a higher risk for drowsy-driving crashes:

  1. Young Drivers: Especially males under 25 years old.
  2. Shift Workers & Those with Long Hours: Night shift workers increase their risk by nearly six times. Rotating-shift workers and those working over 60 hours a week are particularly vulnerable.
  3. Commercial Drivers: Especially long-haul drivers. Fatigue is a factor in at least 15% of all heavy truck crashes.
  4. People with Undiagnosed/Untreated Sleep Disorders: Individuals with untreated obstructive sleep apnea have up to seven times the risk of falling asleep at the wheel.
  5. Business Travelers: Those who drive long hours or are jet-lagged from recent travel.

Recognize the Warning Signs

Don't wait until it's too late. If you experience any of these 8 drowsy driving warning signs, pull over to a safe place immediately:

  • Finding it hard to focus on the road, frequent blinking, or heavy eyelids
  • Starting to daydream, wandering eyes, or having disconnected thoughts
  • Having trouble remembering the last few miles driven
  • Missing an exit or ignoring traffic signs
  • Yawning repeatedly or rubbing your eyes
  • Finding it hard to keep your head up or nodding off
  • Drifting from your lane, tailgating, or hitting a shoulder rumble strip
  • Feeling restless, irritable, or becoming aggravated by minor annoyances like traffic

What to Do: If you notice these signs, the best solution is to pull over to a safe place and get some rest. A short nap (20-30 minutes) can make a big difference. You can also stretch or drink a caffeinated beverage (though caffeine is a temporary fix). Continue driving only when you feel alert and refreshed.

Be Proactive: Plan Your Trip

  • Plan Ahead: Always plan both short and long trips.
  • Share the Drive: On long-distance drives, ask a friend to join you. A companion can help spot early warning signs of fatigue and switch drivers when needed.
  • Prioritize Sleep: Ensure you get adequate sleep before any trip, especially long ones.