Drowsy driving is a hidden danger on roadways. Knowing what to do when you encounter someone potentially driving drowsy can help keep you safe and maybe even save a life.
Here’s what you need to know about recognizing and responding to drowsy driving.
The Serious Threat of Drowsy Driving
Drowsy driving can be subtle—just a delayed reaction here or a weave there—but it can also be deadly.
Drowsy driving kills hundreds of people every year. In 2022 alone, 683 Americans died as a direct result of a drowsy driver. Being tired can be just as debilitating as driving drunk. Studies show that being awake for 20 hours can make your brain act like your body has a blood alcohol content of 0.08%, the legal limit for drunk driving in many states.
And yet, more than half of American drivers (six out of 10, actually) admit to having driven a car when they were so tired they had a hard time keeping their eyes open. Yikes!
Recognizing the Signs: How to Spot a Drowsy Driver
Here are some of the most common signs of drowsy driving:
- Slowly drifting out of the lane
- Slow response to traffic signals or road hazards
- Inconsistent speed
- Sudden braking or jerky movements, as if the driver suddenly became alert and tried to correct course
If you’re in the car with a drowsy driver, you might be able to see signs someone outside the car wouldn’t catch. Sign slike:
- Frequent yawning or blinking
- Long blinks
- Head bobbing
- Missing road signs or turns
- Appearing dazed or unfocused
Defensive Driving as a Response to Drowsy Drivers
Defensive driving helps you stay safe even when other drivers are not driving safely. Here are some defensive driving tips to help you deal with a drowsy driver in another vehicle:
- Stay alert and avoid distractions. The other driver could do something unexpected without warning, so you need to be distraction-free and ready for anything.
- Increase your following distance. Hang back to give that driver more room. This will give you more time to react if they do something unexpected.
- Call 911 when it is safe to do so. Yes, a drowsy driver is an emergency. This person is a legit danger to themselves and others. If you see someone driving unsafely, you (or one of your passengers) can and should call 911 so the authorities can check on the driver.
Here are some tips for what to do if you’re in the car with a suspected drowsy driver:
- Call them out. You look tired. Are you feeling ok?
- Ask them to take a break. Suggest a refueling stop, potty break, or coffee run. Some people are weird about admitting when they’re tired, so you might even claim the break is for you to take the pressure off them.
- Offer to take a turn driving. If you’re able and willing to drive, share the responsibility.
- Turn on some upbeat music. This can give them an energy boost.
- Get a meal. Refueling your body can wake you up.
- Crack the windows. A little fresh air can make you more alert.
- Call it a day. If you’re on a long road trip, you might just want to stop a little sooner than expected. Better to get there late than not at all.
Be Part of the Solution to the Drowsy Driving Problem
As a licensed driver, you have a responsibility to drive as safely as possible to protect yourself, your passengers, and literally everyone else on the road.
Just reading this article is an awesome start to educating yourself about serious road hazards! Now, share it with your friends so they can know about recognizing and responding to drowsy driving too.
Then keep an eye on each other and the other drivers. Increased awareness, accountability, and support help us all be better, safer drivers!
Updated 04/01/2025