A tired man is yawning while driving the car.

Despite growing awareness of distracted and impaired driving, drowsy driving remains a dangerously overlooked threat. According to the National Sleep Foundation’s 2024 Drowsy Driving Survey, half of all drivers admit they would still follow through with travel plans even after getting only 3 or 4 hours of sleep. This risky behavior contributes to over 20% of crash-related fatalities nationally. As fatigue continues to compromise driver judgment and reaction time, it's clear that sleep-deprived driving deserves urgent attention. [1]

What are the signs of drowsy driving?

  • Swerving or drifting between lanes of traffic
  • Struggling to stay awake and focused
  • Yawning repeatedly
  • Tailgating or missing traffic signals [2]

How to avoid drowsiness while driving

Focus on peak energy periods

There are predictable times of day when your energy level rises and falls. You are most likely to feel drowsy from 2 a.m. to 6 a.m. and 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. [3]

Get a “power nap” boost

Take a 20-minute nap in a well-lit, safe place or switch driving responsibility to another.

Avoid impairing substances

Avoid medications that cause drowsiness, and never use alcohol or drugs, as they impair reflexes and alertness. [3]

Share the road

If you're taking a long trip, sharing driving duties with a partner and resting in shifts can help prevent drowsiness. [4]

Teens and drowsy driving

Teens are at high risk for drowsy driving due to lack of sleep and limited experience. Warning signs include yawning, drifting lanes, and trouble staying alert. Parents can help by promoting good sleep habits, limiting late-night driving, and encouraging teens to call for a ride if tired. [4]

Drowsy driving is a serious risk that causes thousands of crashes and deaths each year. Recognizing warning signs and taking simple precautions such as driving during alert hours, resting when needed, avoiding impairing substances, and sharing driving duties can help keep everyone safe on the road.

Learn more about how you can help create safer roads through Nationwide's distracted driving resources.

Sources

[1] “National Sleep Foundation’s 2024 Drowsy Driving Survey” National Sleep Foundation, thensf.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Drowsy-Driving-Survey_2024.pdf (accessed September 2025).
[2] “Drowsing Driving,” DC.gov, dmv.dc.gov/service/drowsy-driving (accessed September 2025).
[3] “Drowsy Driving Prevention, Teens Ages 16 to 19 Years,” Health.ny.gov, health.ny.gov/prevention/injury_prevention/children/fact_sheets/teens_15-19_years/drowsy_driving_16-19_years.htm (accessed September 2025).
[4] “Drowsy Driving Awareness” Health.ny.gov, health.ny.gov/prevention/injury_prevention/driving_drowsy.htm (accessed September 2025).

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The information included is designed for informational purposes only. It is not legal, tax, financial or any other sort of advice, nor is it a substitute for such advice. The information may not apply to your specific situation. We have tried to make sure the information is accurate, but it could be outdated or even inaccurate in parts. It is the reader’s responsibility to comply with any applicable local, state, or federal regulations. Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company, its affiliates and their employees make no warranties about the information nor guarantee of results, and they assume no liability in connection with the information provided.
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