Press release
Erie Insurance survey reveals that 14% of Americans have fallen asleep behind the wheel
Insurance company raises awareness of dangers of drowsy driving and a rise in the number of fatigued drivers, as more Americans struggle to get sufficient
About this update from Erie Indemnity Company
[{"type":"text","content":"Insurance company raises awareness of dangers of drowsy driving and a rise in the number of fatigued drivers, as more Americans struggle to get sufficient sleep\nERIE, Pa., April 1, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Sleep-deprived drivers are turning America's roadways into danger zones with potentially costly consequences. A new survey sponsored by Erie Insurance found that 14% of Americans have admitted to falling asleep at the wheel, a recipe for solo crashes and multi-vehicle collisions that can shatter lives. This alarming statistic is magnified by ERIE data that indicates a steady increase in drivers falling asleep behind the wheel since 2020. To combat the growing threat of drowsy driving, Erie Insurance is spotlighting the dangers of sleep loss, providing practical solutions for improving sleep before driving, and revealing the key factors behind Americans' increasing sleep deprivation—all just in time for National Distracted Driving Month in April.\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n\n \nSleep Deprivation and Driving\nWhether driving is in the plans or not, the Centers for Disease Control recommends that adults get, on average, at least seven hours of sleep per night. Unfortunately, according to ERIE's survey, a large percentage of Americans are not hitting that threshold. More than half (54%) of Americans are reportedly sleeping less than seven hours, with roughly 11% getting four or less hours of sleep. The largest percentage of respondents (43%) reported averaging five-to-six hours nightly. Insufficient sleep can lead to impaired thinking, decreased alertness, and increased drowsiness, among other problems.\nIncreased drowsiness can impact the ability to focus, think clearly, respond quickly, and perform daily tasks. And behind the wheel, that is a dangerous combination. A driver's inability to focus on and be aware of other road users impairs their ability to brake or swerve promptly. With an average car weighing 4,100 pounds (EPA), a sleepy driver can quickly turn a car into a dangerous weapon.\nThe ERIE survey additionally identified those times of day when drivers are the most fatigued and likely to be involved in an accident. According to survey results, Americans are most tired while driving during late-night hours. Between 10 p.m. to 3 a.m., 42% of respondents reported feeling the most tired. The next most dangerous time was during the ...