A recent survey sponsored by Erie Insurance found that 14% of Americans have admitted to falling asleep behind the wheel, increasing the likelihood of both single-vehicle and multi-vehicle accidents, which presents clear risks for insurers.
According to the Centers for Disease Control, adults should get at least seven hours of sleep per night to maintain proper cognitive function and alertness.
However, the Erie survey found that many Americans fall short of this guideline. Over half (54%) of respondents reported getting fewer than seven hours of sleep, with about 11% getting four or fewer hours. This lack of sleep can lead to impaired thinking, reduced alertness, and heightened drowsiness, all of which contribute to a greater likelihood of accidents and insurance claims.
From an insurance perspective, this increases the frequency and severity of claims, as sleep-deprived drivers are more likely to cause accidents. In turn, insurers may face rising costs associated with higher accident rates and more serious collisions.
The survey also identified key times of day when drivers are most likely to be fatigued. The hours between 10 p.m. and 3 a.m. saw the highest levels of reported drowsiness, with 42% of respondents citing these hours as when they felt the sleepiest. Another 23% said they were most tired during the early morning, between 3 a.m. and 10 a.m. These periods coincide with disruptions to the body’s natural circadian rhythm, which regulates sleep and wake cycles.
Drowsy driving is also a concern for those whose jobs require frequent time on the road, such as delivery drivers, gig economy workers, and long-haul truckers. According to the Erie survey, 25% of Americans reported driving as a core responsibility of their job. This increases their exposure to the risks associated with fatigue, leading to higher chances of accidents and claims.
Despite their fatigue, many drivers rely on short-term measures to stay awake behind the wheel. The survey found that 63% of respondents drank caffeinated beverages, 62% turned up the music, and 58% rolled down their windows in an attempt to stay alert.
However, these tactics, while potentially effective in the short term, can also lead to distractions that increase the risk of accidents. Women, in particular, were more likely than men to use their phones while driving, with 32% of women reporting this behavior compared to 23% of men.
Erie Insurance advises against using mobile phones while driving and recommends that drivers take regular breaks to rest.
To improve sleep quality, the National Sleep Foundation offered several strategies, including maintaining a consistent sleep schedule, exercising regularly, and avoiding caffeine and heavy meals before bedtime.
Sleep deprivation, however, is not only a driver safety issue but it’s also a broader public health concern.
Nearly half (48%) of survey participants reported struggling to get enough rest, with stress, anxiety, and excessive screen time being key contributors. Americans now spend an average of 5 hours and 16 minutes per day on their phones, with blue light from screens disrupting sleep patterns and contributing to daytime fatigue.
To address these concerns, Erie Insurance recommends strategies to help reduce stress and improve sleep, such as regular meditation, physical exercise, and reducing screen time before bed.
Insurers may want to consider promoting these practices among their policyholders as part of broader risk management strategies. Encouraging healthy sleep habits could ultimately reduce the number of sleep-related crashes and claims, benefiting both insurers and drivers, according to Erie Insurance.
