Whether caused by insomnia, a disrupted shift work schedule, or even the end of Daylight Savings, not getting enough sleep before driving is a dangerous idea. According to the National Safety Council, drowsy driving is similar to driving under the influence of alcohol, impacting reaction times and the ability to stay focused on the road.

“Operating a vehicle safely requires a person’s full attention and focus,” stated Col. Matthew C. Packard, chief of the Colorado State Patrol. “Fatigue physically and mentally impacts the abilities of a driver – it has effects on a driver’s attention span, judgment, coordination and reaction time.”

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Colorado State Troopers saw a concerning jump in lane violation fatal and injury crashes in 2024 that were attributed to driver fatigue and drivers asleep at the wheel. According to State Patrol crash data, there were 39 crashes in 2023 and 44 in 2024 (12 percent increase). While the hard numbers appear to suggest a small annual increase, looking historically, troopers have seen a significant year-over-year increase since 2020, when there were only 27 lane violation crashes due to fatigue or a driver falling asleep. The percentage increase from four years ago is 38.6 percent.

According to the National Sleep Foundation, drowsy drivers may find themselves weavingback and forth between lanes, unable to maintain the right speed and keep an appropriate distance from other vehicles. They also may be unable to react in time to avoid an obstacle.

The Colorado State Patrol wants to send a message this Drowsy Driving Prevention Week (November 3 – 9, 2024) that drivers should never underestimate the importance of a good night's sleep. If you are sleep-deprived, put down the keys.

“We don’t often talk about fatigue and drowsiness, but sleep-related issues aren’t uncommon and there is an impact on a person’s ability to drive safely,” stated Col. Matthew C. Packard, Chief of the Colorado State Patrol. “Shift workers and commercial drivers are at extreme risk, but anyone who struggles with getting enough and regular sleep can be impacted.”

If you do notice signs of drowsiness, pull over and take a 20-minute nap in a safe place. The National Sleep Foundation provided some of the top signs of drowsy driving that are similar to signs of drunk driving

• Heavy eyelids or frequent blinking
• Frequent yawning
• Daydreaming and trouble focusing
• Drifting back and forth between lanes
• Hitting a rumble strip
• Drooping head
• Poor recall of the last few miles
• Missing signs or exits
• Restlessness, irritability, and aggressiveness, including tailgating