With more drivers battling exhaustion, an insurance company is shedding light on the escalating risks of drowsy driving and the growing presence of fatigued motorists.
America’s roads are becoming increasingly perilous as sleep-deprived drivers put lives at risk. A new survey by Erie Insurance reveals that 14% of Americans admit to falling asleep while driving—a dangerous habit that can lead to devastating crashes. Data from ERIE further highlights a troubling trend: since 2020, incidents of drowsy driving have been steadily rising. To address this growing crisis, Erie Insurance is shining a light on the dangers of sleep deprivation, sharing practical strategies for better rest before driving, and examining the root causes of America’s sleep struggles—all in preparation for National Distracted Driving Month this April.
The Impact of Sleep Deprivation on Driving
The CDC advises at least seven hours of sleep, but many fall short. An ERIE survey found 54% get less, with 11% sleeping four hours or fewer. Most (43%) average five to six hours, leading to fatigue, poor focus, and slower reactions.
Drowsy driving is dangerous. A sleepy driver struggles to react, turning a 4,100-pound car into a hazard.
ERIE’s survey shows the riskiest times are 10 p.m.–3 a.m. (42% feel drowsy) and 3 a.m.–10 a.m. (23%).
Night driving disrupts the body’s sleep cycle, causing persistent fatigue.
Remaining Alert While Driving
For many Americans, driving isn’t just about getting from point A to point B—it’s an essential part of their job. According to an ERIE survey, 25% of Americans say driving is a key work responsibility. This includes a variety of professions, from food delivery and taxi services to long-haul trucking, all of which require drivers to stay alert despite irregular sleep schedules.
To combat drowsiness behind the wheel, surveyed drivers reported using several strategies:
- Drinking caffeinated beverages (63%)
- Increasing the volume of their music (62%)
- Lowering the car’s temperature (58%)
- Engaging in phone conversations (28%)
Encouragingly, 59% of drivers opt to take rest breaks—a move that could prevent accidents caused by fatigue. However, while tactics like phone conversations might seem helpful, they can also be distracting. Interestingly, women (32%) are more likely than men (23%) to talk on their phones while driving. ERIE advises against this practice and emphasizes the importance of pulling over for rest instead.
The National Sleep Foundation recommends these strategies for achieving better sleep before traveling.
Soak up natural daylight to keep your body’s clock in sync.
Stay active with consistent physical movement.
Maintain a regular eating schedule.
Refrain from consuming heavy food, stimulants, and alcohol before sleep.
Relax and follow a consistent pre-sleep routine.
Limit screen time before sleeping.
Why Aren’t Americans Getting Enough Sleep?
Getting enough sleep is essential for good health, yet nearly half of participants in an ERIE survey (48%) reported difficulty sleeping. The main culprits include stress from personal or family life (52%), worries about current events (42%), too much time on social media (24%), and the challenges of parenting (14%).
On average, Americans spend over five hours daily on their phones (Harmony Healthcare IT). That’s more than 20% of the day—excluding time spent on computers, TVs, and tablets. The blue light from screens can trick the brain into staying alert, making it harder to fall asleep and leading to daytime tiredness. Erie Insurance suggests putting devices away an hour before bed to help the body relax and maintain a healthy sleep cycle.
Since the COVID-19 pandemic, stress and anxiety levels have risen, partly due to nonstop news and social media exposure. While staying informed is important, Erie Insurance warns that sleep deprivation can significantly impact focus and reaction time, making driving more dangerous. Prioritizing sleep is key to overall well-being and road safety.
To reduce stress and enhance sleep, ERIE suggests the following strategies:
Meditate – Just five minutes a day can reduce stress and promote relaxation.
Exercise – Boosts mood and improves sleep.
Eat well – Supports steady energy and a balanced mood.
Connect – Time with loved ones reduces stress and increases happiness.
Limit screens – Less screen time helps the brain unwind for better sleep.
Stick to a routine – A regular sleep schedule improves rest quality.
Erie Insurance Supports Safe Driving
Erie Insurance promotes safe driving by encouraging good sleep habits and raising awareness about drowsy driving risks. Sharing this message helps make roads safer for everyone.
About Erie Insurance
Founded in 1925, Erie Insurance is a Fortune 500 company based in Erie, Pennsylvania. It is among the top U.S. insurers for home, auto, and commercial lines, with over 7 million policies in 12 states and D.C. Rated A+ (Superior) by A.M. Best
Survey Details
Falls & Co. conducted an online survey for Erie Insurance from Feb 21-24, 2025, with 1,000 licensed U.S. drivers. The study was weighted for age and region to reflect the U.S. population based on Census and USDA data.