Avoid Drowsy Driving: Stay Alert, Stay Safe

Have you ever felt your eyelids grow heavy during a long drive, or caught yourself drifting slightly out of your lane? You’re not alone. Drowsy driving is more common—and more dangerous—than many people realize. Studies show that driving while fatigued can be just as risky as driving under the influence of alcohol. The scary truth: just a few seconds of inattention is enough to cause a serious or even fatal accident.

That’s why it’s so important to understand the risks of drowsy driving and learn how to prevent it. Keep reading until the end, because these tips could save not only your life, but also the lives of others on the road.

The Hidden Dangers of Drowsy Driving

• Lack of sleep slows your reaction time, making it harder to respond quickly to sudden changes.
• Fatigue reduces your ability to focus and pay attention to the road.
• Driving after being awake for 18 hours can impair you as much as having a blood alcohol content of 0.05%.
• Nearly 1 in 25 adult drivers report falling asleep while driving in the past 30 days, according to the CDC.

Tips to Avoid Drowsy Driving

• Get 7–9 hours of sleep before a long trip. Rest is the most effective prevention.
• Take breaks every two hours or every 100 miles to stretch, walk, and refresh.
• Share the driving when possible—switch drivers to give yourself a chance to rest.
• Avoid driving during your body’s natural downtime, such as late at night or very early in the morning.
• Don’t rely on “quick fixes” like coffee or blasting the radio—these provide only short-term alertness and may give a false sense of security.

What This Means for You

The road demands your full attention, and staying alert is one of the most important steps you can take to protect yourself and others. Drowsy driving doesn’t just put you at risk—it puts everyone around you in danger. By being proactive about rest and taking simple precautions, you can ensure every trip is a safer one.

At Klinger Insurance Group, we care about your safety on and off the road. Beyond offering reliable auto insurance coverage, we are committed to helping our community make smarter, safer choices.

For more information or to review your auto insurance coverage, call Klinger Insurance Group today at 301-428-4935.