BY SOLO INSURANCE®  June 2021, Updated 1/7/26

Driving Drowsy Means Unsafe Driving

It bears repeating, drowsy driving means unsafe driving. You’re a safe driver, usually. You’re aware of the risks of the road, your surroundings and are committed to paying attention to the changing situations around you. Yet, admit it, sometimes you’ve gotten behind the wheel when too tired to be truly committed to driving. You’re not alone, but it is dangerous. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration estimates nearly 700 drivers were killed in accidents related to drowsy driving in 2019.

So many excuses, but none matter if an accident happens.

Having established that drowsy driving is dangerous, consider how you can tell if you are too tired to drive. Sometimes even a cat nap can get you alert again.

#1: Notice Your Physical Signs of Drowsiness

First and foremost, listen to your body. It tells you when you are tired and need to rest. At minimum, you are tired if you are yawning often. Have you ever dozed off in the middle of a task? In other words, if you were alone for just a minute, then could you fall asleep? Wake up to the risk, if you need to sleep, then you shouldn’t drive. Falling asleep behind the wheel causes serious problems, possibly for the ones you love.

#2: You Cannot Remember Driving

Have you ever driven down the road and don’t remember the last mile or two you covered? Maybe, you can’t remember whether the last stoplight you went through was red or green. Note to self, if you’re having trouble remembering where you just went, then you are driving distracted. This, also, is a clear sign that you are too tired.

#3: Your Lifestyle Makes You Prone to Tiredness

Beyond these immediate signs, your lifestyle may be a significant factor. Even if you feel okay at the start of a drive, it doesn’t mean you won’t get tired the longer a drive goes on. After all, many lifestyle factors might drive you to become more tired during long drives. Some of these risk factors include:

• Sleep: You did not sleep seven (or more) hours in the last night or two.
• Alcohol: You drank alcohol within the last four to five hours.
• Distance: You are driving a long distance. If so, take a break at least every 100 miles and move.

Driver, Beware The Hidden Costs of Driving Tired

Seriously, you don’t get behind the wheel after drinking. Did you know that driving when tired can be just as dangerous as driving drunk? In both cases, bad things happen. As a result, you’re more likely to be labeled a higher-risk driver.

Friends don’t let friends drive drowsy. Plus, why signal a red flag to your auto insurance company? Afterall, there’s no reason to cause your auto insurance rates to rise. Therefore, do yourself a financial favor, avoid getting behind the wheel when you are tired. Avoid filing car insurance claims for accidents caused by being drowsy. In the end, at-fault accident claims drive up your rates significantly. If you had a hard day or didn’t get enough sleep, it’s important, don’t get behind the wheel until you have rested up.

If you need car insurance, or just want to double check your rates, contact the trusted, experienced agents at Solo Insurance^®. Call or click today.  800-207-7656

Don’t own a car but need an SR22?  Quote here.

🚗  -----  🚗  -----  🚗  -----  🚗  -----  🚗  -----  🚗  -----  🚗
Solo Insurance® where great rates and personalized service meet.   – Veteran/Family owned since 1994 –
We shop the rates for you upfront and at renewals to ensure you get our best rate every time.
Solo Insurance® ~ 800-207-7656 ~ Soloinsurance.net ~ Get a car insurance Quote here ~ Like us on Facebook
Over 30 years in business helping people navigate car insurance with top insurance carriers,
because at Solo, you’re a person, not a policy.