Drowsy driving might not seem as dangerous as drunk driving, but the effects are surprisingly similar. A tired driver’s reaction time, awareness, and judgment are all impaired — and when you’re behind the wheel, that can be deadly. Every year, thousands of crashes in California involve fatigue, often during the early morning hours or late at night when the body naturally craves rest. Yet drivers continue to underestimate how risky it is to push through exhaustion.
The tricky part is that fatigue builds quietly. You may not even realize how tired you are until your eyelids start to droop or you drift slightly in your lane. Turning up the music or rolling down the window might seem like a quick fix, but these are temporary tricks that don’t address the core issue: your body needs sleep. If you’re yawning repeatedly, missing exits, or can’t remember the last few miles driven, it’s time to pull over and rest. A 20-minute nap at a safe location can make all the difference.
Long trips, overnight shifts, and untreated sleep disorders all increase the risk of drowsy driving. Commercial drivers, young adults, and people who regularly sleep fewer than seven hours a night are especially vulnerable. It is estimated that tens of thousands of crashes each year involve fatigue, though the real number is likely much higher since drowsiness often goes unreported.
The best prevention is planning ahead. Make sure you’re well-rested before starting any trip, avoid driving late at night, and schedule regular breaks every couple of hours. If you feel tired, don’t ignore it. Remember, finishing your drive “today” isn’t worth risking your life. Pull over, recharge, and get home safely.
Finish Today Traffic School reminds all California drivers: safe driving starts with being alert and well-rested.
Referred to this by a friend - thanks for the funny, random comments inserted in between the text. and for the colloquial tone. easy to follow along as opposed to dry stats and figures.
- Julie S
