Drowsy driving kills 6,000 Americans each year, new analysis shows (GHSA)
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Driving tired can be just as dangerous as driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs — yet 1 in 5 drivers admit doing it at least once in the past month. A new Governors Highway Safety Association (GHSA) report, developed with General Motors’ (GM) support, reveals the deadly consequences of this preventable behavior and outlines concrete steps to eliminate it.
More than 6,300 people died in suspected drowsy driving crashes in 2023 — 10 times higher than the 633 deaths officially reported in federal statistics. GHSA's comprehensive analysis uncovered this hidden toll by cross-referencing multiple sources, including the Fatality Analysis Reporting System and the Crash Investigation Sampling System. This massive gap exists because fatigue, unlike alcohol or drugs, leaves no physical evidence that can be tested after a crash. The data analysis was conducted by Dr. Jim Hedlund, a well-respected roadway safety statistician with Highway Safety North.
Nearly 20% of Americans have admitted to driving while drowsy at least once in the past month, according to the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety. The problem cuts across demographics, but some groups face heightened risk: younger drivers (including college students), parents of children up to age 17, historically underserved individuals, people working night shifts (such as nurses), and long-haul truck drivers.
These aren't just statistics — they're people. Behind every number is a family torn apart by a preventable tragedy. Behind every number is a person killed too soon, leaving behind countless grieving family members. Nicole Michelle Lee is one of these victims. In 2008, the driver of the car she was riding in fell asleep and veered off the road, causing a crash that killed her just one year after she graduated high school. Her sister Jennifer Pearce has been a vocal advocate against drowsy driving ever since Nicole’s death.
“My dear sister Nicki has been gone for longer than she was with us — just because someone drove while tired,” Pearce said. “Drowsy driving is doing harm on our roads. Unfortunately, Nicki’s story is frustratingly common. I’m thankful that GHSA and GM are helping raise awareness and supporting solutions that can make a meaningful difference so nobody else has to live through such an awful loss.”
“We talk about the dangers of drunk, drug-impaired and distracted driving — but drowsy driving belongs in the conversation, too. It's the fourth ‘D’ that kills thousands every year; it's time we give it the same urgency,” said GHSA Chief Executive Officer Jonathan Adkins. “By raising awareness among drivers, helping train law enforcement and expanding in-vehicle technologies, we can help ensure that fewer families experience the tragedy of a fatigue-related crash.”
