--- description: There are several things that can cause drowsy driving. For one, not getting enough sleep can make staying awake behind the wheel hard. title: Why is Drowsy Driving Dangerous? - Chaikin, Sherman, Cammarata & Siegel, P.C. canonical: https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/car-accidents/why-is-drowsy-driving-dangerous/ date_modified: 2026-08-11T18:40:48+00:00 practice_area: car-accident --- - Why is Drowsy Driving Dangerous? - Chaikin, Sherman, Cammarata & Siegel, P.C. # Why is Drowsy Driving Dangerous? Last Updated: August 11, 2026 - Reading Time: 4 minutes Trusted Content ![090424_CSCS_APE30](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/wp-content/uploads/elementor/thumbs/090424_CSCS_APE30-r7ld7n5zxjd9ezimssquc85jvnm28x0iit481i4iwo.jpg) Legally Reviewed by Allan Siegel Updated 1 month ago [Home](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/) » [Washington DC Car Accident Lawyer](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/car-accidents/) » Why is Drowsy Driving Dangerous? 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"*" indicates required fields Name* First Last Name* Last Email** Phone*Are you a new client?*Are you a new client? *Yes, I'm a potential new client.No, I'm a current existing client.I'm neitherCase TypeCase TypeMotor Vehicle AccidentSlip & FallAssaultMedical MalpracticeAbuseWork InjuryOtherWere You at Fault?Were You At Fault?NoYesUnknownWhere Did The Incident Occur?Where Did The Incident Occur?Washington, D.C.VirginiaMarylandOtherDid The Accident Occur In the Last Two Years?Did The Accident Occur In the Last Two Years?YesNoShare Brief Description of the Incident* Send Watch our attorneys explain how they fight for car accident victims across DC, Maryland, and Virginia. With over $1 billion recovered, our team knows how to build a winning case — from investigation through trial. Video Transcript **Speakers:** Ira Sherman, Joseph Cammarata, Stephen Ollar, Allan Siegel **Ira Sherman (00:02):** I would say that Chaikin, Sherman, Cammarata and Siegel has a completely different outlook on cases that other people think are garden variety automobile accidents, because to the person who is involved in that accident, that’s not garden variety, that’s altering their life. **Joseph Cammarata (00:21):** First of all, we don’t advertise. People come to us by word of mouth, either from defense lawyers, from insurance companies, from colleagues at the bar. They know that we have decades of experience in the personal injury field. They know that what we bring to bear is a group of lawyers that work and non-lawyers that work as a team to make sure we understand what the nature and the extent of the injury is. We make sure we understand and can express to a third party just what those injuries are, and we work to obtain the most compensation that we can for an individual. **Stephen Ollar (01:04):** What we do a lot of is discovery, not just discovery of the facts of the case, but discovery about insurance. It may be that the individual was operating the vehicle for an employer, and if they were acting with what we call the course and scope of their employment, then there could be potentially additional coverage that would cover a person for those injuries. **Allan Siegel (01:27):** We’ve been handling car accident cases since Don Chaikin founded this firm over 50 years ago. Since we spend a lot of time and we have a lot of those cases, we have developed a level of experience and knowledge that I think is very unique in our field. There aren’t many law firms who can say that they’ve been doing this type of work for over 50 years. **Ira Sherman (01:52):** I care enough to look to determine who this person is and how it affected them, and that takes up a lot of my conversation with our clients. Do you know how dangerous it can be to drive while you’re drowsy? You might not think it’s a big deal, but according to a 2019 report from the National Safety Council, driver fatigue is responsible for about[100,000 crashes and 1,500 deaths each year](https://www.nsc.org/road-safety/safety-topics/fatigued-driving). There is even a Drowsy Driving Prevention Week to educate the public about the dangers of driving while drowsy. ![blurry road at night](https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/V-TammAoq_gJzUCxi9I3d0igZzkXnfQYD94y_H3WxiJ4mDMqYP9JZsMLqE1ZBDF7OjOkIJzLisM-YozSbjy9ujuH_KmZn2WtRDguBmFPWWJykXweqeDuZD1aQT5QWsL56v_ozebvRDM5HAeKmcX3kg) Unfortunately, we live in a time when many Americans are constantly on the go and working long hours; sleep deprivation is a real problem for personal health and the safety of millions of drivers on the road. While falling asleep at the wheel is not a foreign concept to most people, it’s important to know that it can be deadly. ## How Common Is Drowsy Driving? Determining a precise number of drowsy driving accidents, injuries, and fatal crashes isn’t possible, according to a report from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHSTA). Investigators can look for indications that drowsiness contributed to an accident, but these clues aren’t always conclusive. Consequently, drowsy driving statistics vary from study to study. According to the Centers for Disease Control, roughly 35% of Americans get less than the recommended 7 hours of sleep, and 12% sleep for 5 hours or less. A study from the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety found that[more than 40% of drivers](http://citeseerx.ist.psu.edu/viewdoc/download?doi=10.1.1.684.6347&rep=rep1&type=pdf) admitted they had fallen asleep behind the wheel. Drowsy driving disproportionately affects younger drivers between the ages of 16 and 25. They make up an[estimated 50% or more of drowsy driving crashes](https://one.nhtsa.gov/people/injury/drowsy_driving1/human/drowsy.html#V.%20POPULATION%20GROUPS). The NHTSA estimates that every year about[100,000 police-reported, drowsy-driving crashes](https://www.nhtsa.gov/risky-driving/drowsy-driving) result in nearly 800 fatalities and about 50,000 injuries. However, there is a broad agreement across the traffic safety, sleep science, and public health communities that these numbers underestimate the impact of drowsy driving. ## The Dangers of Drowsy Driving In a report from the National Sleep Foundation, an[estimated 6,400 people die annually](https://www.thensf.org/drowsy-driving-prevention-week-2021/) in motor vehicle crashes involving drowsy driving. Additionally, a study by the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety[estimated that 328,000](https://aaafoundation.org/prevalence-impact-drowsy-driving/) drowsy driving crashes occur annually. That’s more than three times the police-reported number reported by the NHTSA. ## What Causes Drowsy Driving? There are several things that can cause drowsy driving. For one, not getting enough sleep can make staying awake behind the wheel hard. According to the American Academy of Sleep Medicine and the Sleep Research Society, adults should get[seven or more hours of sleep each night](http://www.aasmnet.org/articles.aspx?id=5596). When you’re running off little sleep, your body isn’t able to function at its best. You might have trouble paying attention to the road and making good decisions. Other factors that can lead to drowsy driving include: - Untreated sleep disorders - [Medication](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/blog/2012/12/can-anti-depression-and-anti-anxiety-medications-increase-the-risk-of-accidents/) - Drinking alcohol - Sleep deprivation Even the time of day you drive impacts your ability to drive. According to the[National Highway Traffic Safety Administration](https://www.nhtsa.gov/risky-driving/drowsy-driving), most crashes caused by drowsy driving occur between midnight and 6 AM. ![A driver holding alcoholic bottle while driving / Drunk driving concept](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/iStock-1351990346-1024x690.jpg) ## Signs You Should Stop Driving To Rest If you find yourself yawning frequently or having trouble keeping your eyes open, those are signs that you need to take a break from driving. It’s also important to be aware of the warning signs of microsleep, which include: - Head nodding or drooping - Eyelids drooping - Eyes closing for longer than a blink - Inability to keep your head up - Drifting from your lane, tailgating, or missing exits or turns - Daydreaming or staring into space. ## The Importance of Healthy Sleep Habits The best way to avoid being a drowsy driver is to practice healthy sleep habits and get a good night’s rest before hitting the road. There are a number of things you can do to help ensure you get enough sleep and reduce your risk of drowsy driving, including: - Stick to a regular sleep schedule as much as possible. - Create a relaxing bedtime routine. - Get at least seven hours of sleep per night. - Avoid drinking alcohol before bed. - Don’t use electronic devices in bed. - Exercise regularly. - Manage stress. Remember, a drowsy driver can be just as dangerous as a [drunk driver](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/car-accidents/drunk-driving-accidents/). Drowsy driving and drunk driving slow reaction times and[affect alertness and decision-making](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26414989/). Just as with drunk drivers, drowsy drivers are more likely to get into accidents because they have trouble staying alert and focused on the road. They might doze off or have trouble keeping their eyes open, leading to serious problems. ## Other Ways To Avoid Drowsy Driving If you know you’ll be driving for an extended period, make sure you’re well-rested. Other ways to avoid drowsy driving include: - Avoid taking medication that can make you drowsy. If you must take medication, take it early in the day, so it doesn’t affect your driving. - If you feel drowsy while driving, you can turn up the radio or open the windows. - Drink some coffee. Caffeine takes around 30 minutes to reach its peak level of alertness in the body, so drink coffee or another caffeinated beverage before you get behind the wheel if you’re feeling drowsy. - If you pull over and take a nap, ensure you’re well-rested before returning to the road. ## In a Car Wreck Involving a Fatigued Driver? Contact a Washington, D.C. Car Accident Attorney Today ![sun glaring into windshield impacting driver visibility](https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/6hqUyQKoHx18DW57UxI6yioEBTJodQN3PwriEB2WDSox0_Nl5g4vOhgJdqHtKuueeZKCK8QyRTZsaBJHK2s5CRN7-XZ1oVg2I0wFSLbKfpMFgxx6ZBEWLOSmpUCK9a-QccabXgGCQLkc5msvSzLGsA) If you are looking for the highest level of representation available for your personal injury case, turn to [Chaikin, Sherman, Cammarata & Siegel, P.C.](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/) Our firm has helped clients recover more than $500 million in compensation, and we have more than 100 years of combined experience. All of our partners are recognized by Washington, D.C. Super Lawyers®, and our firm includes three past presidents of the Trial Lawyers Association of Metropolitan Washington, D.C. We work to help our clients obtain fair settlement offers to compensate them for the injuries they’ve suffered, but our attorneys are extremely well-equipped to go to trial if needed. Call (202) 659-8600 or [contact us online](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/contact-us/) to get the proven legal representation you deserve. Contact a [car accident lawyer](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/car-accidents/) at Chaikin, Sherman, Cammarata & Siegel, P.C. to learn more about your rights. We proudly serve the D.C. Metro area. [Watch Our Video Testimonials](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/blog/testimonials-hub/) ![Main CSCS Video - Thumb 1](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/1.png) Get free advice about the compensation you deserve. At Chaikin, Sherman, Cammarata & Siegel, P.C., our car accident attorneys fight tirelessly to secure the compensation you deserve, handling every aspect of your case to protect your rights. Trust us to stand by you and advocate aggressively on your behalf. [Free Case Evaluation](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/contact-us/) Visit Us in Person 1232 17th St NW Washington, DC 20036 The car accident lawyers at Chaikin, Sherman, Cammarata & Siegel, P.C. serve the entire Washington, D.C. metro area, including [Virginia](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/car-accidents/virginia/) ([Northern Virginia car accident cases](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/car-accidents/northern-virginia/), [Arlington](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/car-accidents/auto-accident-attorneys-in-arlington-va/), [Fairfax County auto accident claims](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/car-accidents/fairfax/), [Woodbridge](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/car-accidents/woodbridge-va/), [Manassas](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/car-accidents/manassas-va/), and [Alexandria](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/car-accidents/alexandria/)) and Maryland ([Bethesda](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/car-accidents/bethesda/), [Hyattsville](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/car-accidents/hyattsville/), [Rockville](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/car-accidents/rockville/), [Lau Top 10 Mistakes Made After an Accident Review these common auto accident mistakes to protect your rights. READ OUR E-BOOK](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/car-accidents/laurel/) Meet Our Team [Learn More About Us](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/about-us/) Ira Sherman Partner Licensed in Washington, D.C., Maryland, and New York With over four decades of courtroom experience, **Ira Sherman** is a powerhouse trial lawyer who has won justice for countless victims of serious injury, discrimination, and medical malpractice. Known for his relentless advocacy, compassion, and proven results, he’s the attorney clients trust when everything is on the line. [Ira Sherman's Bio](https://chaikinandsherman.com/attorney-profiles/ira-sherman/) Joseph Cammarata Partner Licensed in Washington, D.C., Maryland, and Virginia A dual board-certified civil trial attorney, **Joseph Cammarata** is nationally recognized for his fierce advocacy, landmark legal victories, and relentless pursuit of justice for victims of serious injury, wrongful death, sexual assault, and civil rights violations. With wins against powerful opponents—including a historic U.S. Supreme Court case securing equal access to justice—he’s the attorney clients trust when they need skill, strength, and results that matter. [Joe Cammarata's Bio](https://chaikinandsherman.com/attorney-profiles/joseph-cammarata/) Allan M. Siegel​ Partner Licensed in Washington, D.C., Maryland, and Virginia **Allan M. Siegel** is a board-certified trial attorney and partner at Chaikin, Sherman, Cammarata & Siegel, P.C., known for securing justice in serious personal injury, brain injury, and wrongful death cases. Recognized as one of Washington’s *Top 100 Super Lawyers®* and a *Best Lawyer®* in America, he combines strategic precision, courtroom skill, and relentless advocacy to win full and fair compensation for his clients. [Allan Siegel's Bio](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/attorney-profiles/allan-m-siegel) Stephen Ollar Partner Licensed in Washington, D.C., Maryland, and Virginia **Stephen Ollar** is an award-winning trial attorney and U.S. Army veteran dedicated to holding negligent individuals and corporations accountable. Recognized as a *Super Lawyers Rising Star* from 2020–2025, he’s known for his tenacity, precision, and unwavering pursuit of justice in personal injury, auto accident, and medical malpractice cases. [Stephen Ollar's Bio](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/attorney-profiles/stephen-ollar/) ## Related Articles [Read More Blog Articles](/blog/) ### [Why Some Insurance Companies Take Longer to Settle After a Car Accident in Washington, DC](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/car-accidents/why-some-car-insurance-companies-take-longer-to-settle/) ### [Washington, DC Tint Laws](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/car-accidents/washington-dc-tint-laws/) ### [Why Insurance Companies Lowball Car Accident Settlements in Washington, DC](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/car-accidents/lowball-car-accident-settlements/) ### [Economic VS Non-Economic Damages In Washington, DC Car Accident Cases](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/car-accidents/economic-vs-non-economic-damages/) ### [How Speeding Affects Liability In a Washington, DC Car Accident Case](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/car-accidents/excessive-speed/how-speeding-affects-liability/) ### [Car Accident Lawyer Arlington, VA](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/car-accidents/arlington/) ### [Should You Talk To the Other Person’s Insurance Company?](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/car-accidents/other-drivers-insurance/) ### [100 Deadliest Days of Summer](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/car-accidents/100-deadliest-days/) ### [How To Deal With Insurance Adjusters](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/car-accidents/what-to-do-after-a-car-accident/insurance-adjusters/) Auto Law ### [Can an Auto Insurer Refuse to Pay Your Car Accident Claim? 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Can your auto [Read More »](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/blog/2026/08/insurance-claim-denied/) 08/21/2026 Brain Injury ### [Liability and Umbrella Insurance Protects You and Your Family](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/blog/2021/12/liability-and-umbrella-insurance-protects-you-and-your-family/) As we enter a new year, it is the perfect opportunity to take stock of [Read More »](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/blog/2021/12/liability-and-umbrella-insurance-protects-you-and-your-family/) 12/16/2021 Car Accidents ### [The Courts Have Reopened and the Doors are Wider Than Ever](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/blog/2021/08/the-courts-have-reopened-and-the-doors-are-wider-than-ever/) For months, the coronavirus pandemic practically shut down the courts in the District of Columbia, [Read More »](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/blog/2021/08/the-courts-have-reopened-and-the-doors-are-wider-than-ever/) 08/25/2021 Car Accidents ### [Law Firm Receives Super Lawyers Awards for 11th Consecutive Year](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/blog/2021/08/law-firm-receives-super-lawyers-awards-for-11th-consecutive-year/) The 2021 Washington, DC Super Lawyers® annual list of “Top Lawyers” was recently featured in [Read More »](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/blog/2021/08/law-firm-receives-super-lawyers-awards-for-11th-consecutive-year/) 08/25/2021 ```json-ld {"@context":"https://schema.org","@graph":[{"@type":"LegalService","@id":"https://chaikinandsherman.com/#firm","name":"Chaikin, Sherman, Cammarata & Siegel Personal Injury Lawyers","url":"https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/","telephone":"+1-202-659-8600","email":"publicrelations@dc-law.net","logo":"https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/new-logoBaskerville@2x.png","image":"https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/cscs-firm-photo.jpg","description":"Chaikin, Sherman, Cammarata & Siegel is a Washington D.C. personal injury law firm with decades of experience representing accident victims throughout DC, Maryland, and Virginia.","foundingDate":"1969","address":{"@type":"PostalAddress","streetAddress":"1232 17th St NW","addressLocality":"Washington","addressRegion":"DC","postalCode":"20036","addressCountry":"US"},"founder":[{"@type":"Person","name":"Joseph Chaikin","address":{"@type":"PostalAddress","streetAddress":"1232 17th St NW","addressLocality":"Washington","addressRegion":"DC","postalCode":"20036","addressCountry":"US"}},{"@type":"Person","name":"Ira Sherman","address":{"@type":"PostalAddress","streetAddress":"1232 17th St NW","addressLocality":"Washington","addressRegion":"DC","postalCode":"20036","addressCountry":"US"}}],"employee":[{"@type":"Attorney","name":"Allan M. 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