Drowsy driving isn’t just a bad habit; it’s a dangerous threat to everyone on the road. It leads to real accidents, injuries, and even tragic loss of life. But what causes drivers to nod off behind the wheel? And more importantly, how can we prevent it?
Let's explore the causes of drowsy driving and figure out how to fight the fatigue.
The Obvious Causes of Drowsy Driving
Some causes of driving drowsy are clear to see:
Lack of sleep - Sleep deprivation is serious. It slows your reaction time and impairs your decision-making. And when you’re traveling at 30, 40, or 65 miles an hour, you need to be well rested so you can make smart decisions within split seconds.
Busy schedules - Juggling school, extracurriculars, a social life, and maybe even a job can be exhausting. Without proper breaks, you can burn out, which comes with the same decision-making impairment and slow reaction time as sleep deprivation.
- Long drives - Long, monotonous drives can lull you to sleep, especially at night. Even if you thought you were well-rested before starting your trip.
The Not-So-Obvious Causes of Drowsy Driving
Other causes of drowsy driving are less evident. These include:
- Sleep disorders - Millions of Americans have sleep disorders that prevent them from getting enough quality sleep to function normally. Insomnia, obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), and narcolepsy are common examples of sleep disorders that can be treated with medications, behavioral therapy, or other interventions.
- Medications - Have you ever seen the warning on a medication to “not operate heavy machinery?” Most of us immediately think of forklifts or excavators. But they’re also talking about cars. Because these medications can put you to sleep, and you should not be behind the wheel while taking them. Common examples include sleeping pills, narcotic painkillers, some antidepressants, some cold medicines, some antihistamines (which are used for allergies), and muscle relaxants.
- Medical conditions - Conditions like diabetes, hypothyroidism, mono, and depression can also cause extreme drowsiness that can impair your ability to get from Point A to Point B safely.
The Dangers of Drowsy Driving
Believe it or not, drowsy driving is comparable to drunk driving. Seriously.
According to the Sleep Foundation, people who are awake for 20 hours straight have the same mental impairment as someone with a 0.08% blood alcohol content (which is the current legal drunk driving limit in many states).
In this mental state, you’re slow to react. So if the driver in front of you slams on their brakes or an animal runs into the road, your brain and body might not stop or swerve fast enough.
You also don’t make great decisions when drowsy. So, for example, in an effort to swerve around an animal, you might just swerve into oncoming traffic because you weren’t thinking clearly.
This is why the legal system treats drowsy driving as a serious offense. You can be charged with reckless or negligent driving in many states. If you are responsible for an accident while driving drowsy, you can be financially responsible for damages, and even charged with vehicular manslaughter if someone dies as a result.
Staying Alert Behind the Wheel: Top Tips for Teens
After uncovering the causes of drowsy driving, it’s up to us to find solutions that keep us alert behind the wheel. Here are the top anti-fatigue driving tips for teens:
- Prioritize sleep - Consistently getting enough high-quality sleep is the foundation for fighting fatigue. Aim for 8-10 hours.
- Schedule smart - Plan your driving around your energy levels and avoid driving when tired.
- Take a break on long drives - Stop frequently on road trips to give your eyes and brain a break. Walk around during your break for an added energy boost.
- Fuel your brain. Nuts, berries, and whole grains are scientifically proven to give you energy and improve brain function.
- Share the wheel - Take turns with family and friends when driving together on a long trip.
- Give your ego a back seat - There is zero shame in admitting you’re tired and need to rest before continuing down the road.
Friends Don’t Let Friends Drive Drowsy
Now you know why drowsy driving happens, how serious it can be, and how to fight it. Don’t keep this info to yourself! Share it with your friends and be each other's support network.
Make a pact that you will help each other stay safe on the road. This means:
Stepping up to take turns driving when someone’s tired.
Never teasing each other about needing a break to rest.
Being willing to go pick up a friend from work, school, or an event if they’re not alert enough to drive home safely.
Updated 04/01/2025