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Erie Insurance survey reveals that 14% of Americans have fallen asleep behind the wheel

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Erie Insurance has released a concerning survey revealing that 14% of Americans have fallen asleep while driving, with data showing an increase in fatigued drivers since 2020. The study found that 54% of Americans sleep less than seven hours nightly, below the CDC's recommended minimum.

The survey identified peak drowsy driving periods between 10 p.m. to 3 a.m. (42% of respondents) and 3 a.m. to 10 a.m. (23%). Common wake-up methods include consuming caffeine (63%), turning up music (62%), and rolling down windows (58%). Notably, 25% of Americans report driving as a core job responsibility.

Key factors contributing to sleep deprivation include personal/family stress (52%), anxiety over current events (42%), excessive social media use (24%), and parental duties (14%). Erie Insurance emphasizes the importance of proper sleep habits and recommends strategies such as meditation, regular exercise, balanced diet, and reduced screen time to combat drowsy driving.

Erie Insurance ha pubblicato un'indagine preoccupante che rivela che il 14% degli americani si è addormentato mentre guidava, con dati che mostrano un aumento dei conducenti stanchi dal 2020. Lo studio ha scoperto che il 54% degli americani dorme meno di sette ore ogni notte, al di sotto del minimo raccomandato dal CDC.

L'indagine ha identificato i periodi di maggiore sonnolenza alla guida tra le 22:00 e le 03:00 (42% dei rispondenti) e le 03:00 e le 10:00 (23%). I metodi comuni per svegliarsi includono il consumo di caffeina (63%), alzare il volume della musica (62%) e abbassare i finestrini (58%). È interessante notare che il 25% degli americani riporta che guidare è una responsabilità principale del proprio lavoro.

I fattori chiave che contribuiscono alla privazione del sonno includono stress personale/familiare (52%), ansia per eventi attuali (42%), uso eccessivo dei social media (24%) e doveri genitoriali (14%). Erie Insurance sottolinea l'importanza di buone abitudini di sonno e raccomanda strategie come meditazione, esercizio regolare, dieta equilibrata e riduzione del tempo davanti allo schermo per combattere la sonnolenza alla guida.

Erie Insurance ha publicado una encuesta preocupante que revela que el 14% de los estadounidenses se ha quedado dormido mientras conducía, con datos que muestran un aumento de conductores fatigados desde 2020. El estudio encontró que el 54% de los estadounidenses duerme menos de siete horas cada noche, por debajo del mínimo recomendado por los CDC.

La encuesta identificó los períodos de mayor somnolencia al volante entre las 10 p.m. y las 3 a.m. (42% de los encuestados) y las 3 a.m. y las 10 a.m. (23%). Los métodos comunes para despertarse incluyen consumir cafeína (63%), subir el volumen de la música (62%) y bajar las ventanas (58%). Es notable que el 25% de los estadounidenses informa que conducir es una responsabilidad principal de su trabajo.

Los factores clave que contribuyen a la privación del sueño incluyen el estrés personal/familiar (52%), la ansiedad por los eventos actuales (42%), el uso excesivo de redes sociales (24%) y las responsabilidades parentales (14%). Erie Insurance enfatiza la importancia de tener buenos hábitos de sueño y recomienda estrategias como la meditación, el ejercicio regular, una dieta equilibrada y reducir el tiempo de pantalla para combatir la somnolencia al conducir.

Erie Insurance미국인 14%가 운전 중에 잠들었다는 우려스러운 설문조사를 발표했으며, 2020년 이후 피로한 운전자가 증가하고 있음을 보여주는 데이터가 있습니다. 이 연구에서는 미국인의 54%가 매일 밤 7시간 이하로 잠을 자고 있다고 밝혔으며, 이는 CDC의 권장 최소 수면 시간보다 적습니다.

설문조사에서는 오후 10시부터 오전 3시까지 (응답자의 42%)와 오전 3시부터 오전 10시까지 (23%)의 피곤한 운전 시간이 가장 많다고 밝혔습니다. 일반적인 각성 방법으로는 카페인 섭취 (63%), 음악 볼륨 높이기 (62%), 창문 열기 (58%)가 있습니다. 특히, 미국인의 25%는 운전이 주요 직무 책임이라고 보고했습니다.

수면 부족에 기여하는 주요 요인으로는 개인/가족 스트레스 (52%), 현재 사건에 대한 불안 (42%), 과도한 소셜 미디어 사용 (24%), 부모 역할 (14%)이 있습니다. Erie Insurance는 적절한 수면 습관의 중요성을 강조하고, 졸음 운전을 방지하기 위해 명상, 규칙적인 운동, 균형 잡힌 식단, 화면 시간 감소와 같은 전략을 권장합니다.

Erie Insurance a publié une enquête préoccupante révélant que 14% des Américains se sont endormis au volant, avec des données montrant une augmentation des conducteurs fatigués depuis 2020. L'étude a révélé que 54% des Américains dorment moins de sept heures par nuit, en dessous du minimum recommandé par les CDC.

L'enquête a identifié les périodes de somnolence maximale au volant entre 22h et 3h (42% des répondants) et 3h et 10h (23%). Les méthodes courantes pour se réveiller incluent la consommation de caféine (63%), augmenter le volume de la musique (62%) et ouvrir les fenêtres (58%). Il est à noter que 25% des Américains rapportent que conduire est une responsabilité principale de leur travail.

Les facteurs clés contribuant à la privation de sommeil incluent le stress personnel/familial (52%), l'anxiété liée aux événements actuels (42%), l'utilisation excessive des réseaux sociaux (24%) et les responsabilités parentales (14%). Erie Insurance souligne l'importance de bonnes habitudes de sommeil et recommande des stratégies telles que la méditation, l'exercice régulier, une alimentation équilibrée et la réduction du temps d'écran pour lutter contre la somnolence au volant.

Erie Insurance hat eine besorgniserregende Umfrage veröffentlicht, die zeigt, dass 14% der Amerikaner während der Fahrt eingeschlafen sind, wobei Daten einen Anstieg der müden Fahrer seit 2020 zeigen. Die Studie ergab, dass 54% der Amerikaner weniger als sieben Stunden pro Nacht schlafen, was unter dem vom CDC empfohlenen Minimum liegt.

Die Umfrage identifizierte die Hauptzeiten für müdes Fahren zwischen 22 Uhr und 3 Uhr (42% der Befragten) und 3 Uhr und 10 Uhr (23%). Häufige Methoden zum Wachwerden sind Koffein konsumieren (63%), die Musik lauter stellen (62%) und die Fenster herunterkurbeln (58%). Bemerkenswert ist, dass 25% der Amerikaner berichten, dass das Fahren eine zentrale Arbeitsverantwortung ist.

Wichtige Faktoren, die zur Schlafentzug beitragen, sind persönlicher/familiärer Stress (52%), Angst vor aktuellen Ereignissen (42%), übermäßige Nutzung sozialer Medien (24%) und elterliche Pflichten (14%). Erie Insurance betont die Bedeutung gesunder Schlafgewohnheiten und empfiehlt Strategien wie Meditation, regelmäßige Bewegung, eine ausgewogene Ernährung und reduzierte Bildschirmzeit, um müdes Fahren zu bekämpfen.

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Insurance company raises awareness of dangers of drowsy driving and a rise in the number of fatigued drivers, as more Americans struggle to get sufficient sleep

ERIE, Pa., April 1, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Sleep-deprived drivers are turning America's roadways into danger zones with potentially costly consequences. A new survey sponsored by Erie Insurance found that 14% of Americans have admitted to falling asleep at the wheel, a recipe for solo crashes and multi-vehicle collisions that can shatter lives. This alarming statistic is magnified by ERIE data that indicates a steady increase in drivers falling asleep behind the wheel since 2020. To combat the growing threat of drowsy driving, Erie Insurance is spotlighting the dangers of sleep loss, providing practical solutions for improving sleep before driving, and revealing the key factors behind Americans' increasing sleep deprivation—all just in time for National Distracted Driving Month in April.

Sleep Deprivation and Driving

Whether driving is in the plans or not, the Centers for Disease Control recommends that adults get, on average, at least seven hours of sleep per night. Unfortunately, according to ERIE's survey, a large percentage of Americans are not hitting that threshold. More than half (54%) of Americans are reportedly sleeping less than seven hours, with roughly 11% getting four or less hours of sleep. The largest percentage of respondents (43%) reported averaging five-to-six hours nightly. Insufficient sleep can lead to impaired thinking, decreased alertness, and increased drowsiness, among other problems.

Increased drowsiness can impact the ability to focus, think clearly, respond quickly, and perform daily tasks. And behind the wheel, that is a dangerous combination. A driver's inability to focus on and be aware of other road users impairs their ability to brake or swerve promptly. With an average car weighing 4,100 pounds (EPA), a sleepy driver can quickly turn a car into a dangerous weapon.

The ERIE survey additionally identified those times of day when drivers are the most fatigued and likely to be involved in an accident. According to survey results, Americans are most tired while driving during late-night hours. Between 10 p.m. to 3 a.m., 42% of respondents reported feeling the most tired. The next most dangerous time was during the early hours of the morning between 3 a.m. and 10 a.m. when 23% of responding drivers reported feeling the drowsiest.

Drivers are more tired during these timeframes because driving at night disrupts the body's circadian rhythm which governs sleep and wakefulness and is highly sensitive to light cues. Driving during darkness, when the body expects to sleep, throws this rhythm off balance, resulting in fragmented sleep and persistent drowsiness.

Staying Awake Behind the Wheel

For many Americans, driving isn't just a commute; it's a job requirement.  In fact, the ERIE survey revealed a quarter of Americans (25%) note that driving is a core responsibility of their jobs. This encompasses a wide range of professions, from gig economy workers delivering food and taxi drivers to long-haul truckers, all of whom face the challenge of staying alert on the road, regardless of their sleep patterns.

Despite feeling drowsy, drivers participating in the ERIE survey reported attempting to stay awake while driving through several methods. These include:

  • Consume a caffeinated beverage (63%)
  • Turn up the music (62%)
  • Roll down the window/cool the car down (58%)
  • Talk to someone on the phone (28%)

Notably, many drivers do take a rest break (59%) – potentially saving themselves and others from the dangers of drowsy driving. Although the actions above might refresh a driver temporarily, they also might create more of a distraction. Women are more likely to participate in the distracting action of talking on their cell phones (32%) compared to men (23%). ERIE cautions against using a cell phone while driving and recommends taking a break to rest.

The National Sleep Foundation recommends the following steps to get better sleep before hitting the road:

  • Spend time in bright light during the day
  • Exercise regularly
  • Eat meals at consistent times
  • Avoid heavy meals, nicotine, caffeine, and alcohol before bed
  • Wind down before bed with a consistent routine
  • Put devices down before bed

Why are Americans Not Sleeping?

Sleep is crucial for overall health. Yet, nearly half of ERIE survey participants (48%) reported struggling to get enough rest. This widespread sleep deficit stems from various sources, including stress related to personal or family life (52%), anxiety over current events (42%), excessive social media use (24%), and the demands of parental duties (14%).

Americans spend an average of five hours and 16 minutes per day on their phones (Harmony Healthcare IT).  Over 20% of a day is spent looking at a cell phone screen – that does not include the time spent looking at a computer, television, or tablet screen. The blue light waves from screens can interfere with sleep, as prolonged exposure signals the brain to remain alert, leading to inadequate rest and daytime drowsiness. Erie Insurance recommends putting the devices away an hour before bed to allow your body to unwind and adapt to the body's natural circadian rhythm.

The surge in stress and anxiety since the COVID-19 pandemic, fueled by constant exposure to news and social media, poses a risk to drivers. Erie Insurance acknowledges the importance of staying informed but urges individuals to prioritize sleep, as sleep deprivation can severely impair driving abilities.

To help decrease stress and improve sleep, ERIE recommends the following strategies:

  • Meditate – Spending five minutes a day meditating can promote calmness and decrease stress. Meditating before bed can calm the brain and prepare the body for sleep.
  • Exercise – Regular exercise releases endorphins that can boost mood and improve sleep.
  • Balanced diet – A well-balanced diet helps regulate mood and energy levels.
  • Spend time with loved ones – Spending time with loved ones can reduce feelings of isolation and increase mood leading to a happier life and less stress.
  • Reduce screen time – Reducing screen time allows the brain to unwind and prepare to sleep. Reduced screen time also limits time exposed to stressors including social media.
  • Create a sleep routine – A regular sleep routine allows the body to recognize signs preparing it for rest leading to better sleep overall.

Erie Insurance is dedicated to promoting safe driving practices and encourages individuals to prioritize their well-being. By adopting healthy sleep habits and recognizing the dangers of drowsy driving, communities can collectively make roads safer. ERIE recommends the public share this information and take action to ensure a safer future for all.

About Erie Insurance  
According to A.M. Best Company, Erie Insurance Group, based in Erie, Pennsylvania, is the 12th largest homeowners' insurer, 13th largest automobile insurer and 13th largest commercial lines insurer in the United States based on direct premiums written. Founded in 1925, Erie Insurance is a Fortune 500 company and the 17th largest property/casualty insurer in the United States based on total lines net premium written. Rated A+ (Superior) by A.M. Best, ERIE has more than 7 million policies in force and operates in 12 states and the District of Columbia. News releases and more information are available on ERIE's website at www.erieinsurance.com

Survey Methodology
This survey was conducted online by Falls & Co. on behalf of Erie Insurance from Feb 21 through Feb 24, 2025, among a nationally representative sample of 1,000 U.S. residents ages 18 and older who self-reported they held a current driver's license. Falls established the sampling quotas, designed the questionnaire, tabulated the survey responses, and managed the overall project. Falls used SightX (New York, N.Y.) to administer the survey via the internet, including mobile devices to U.S. panels who met the key demographic criteria. Our results are statistically weighted for age and U.S. Region to align the sample distribution with U.S. population characteristics per 2023 ACS 1-year estimates from the U.S. Census Bureau and 2022 estimates from the USDA Economic Research Service. This technique was used to mitigate the effects of oversampling that can occur when using online survey panels.

Cision View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/erie-insurance-survey-reveals-that-14-of-americans-have-fallen-asleep-behind-the-wheel-302415883.html

SOURCE Erie Indemnity Company

FAQ

What percentage of Americans have fallen asleep while driving according to Erie Insurance's 2025 survey?

According to Erie Insurance's survey, 14% of Americans have admitted to falling asleep while driving.

What are the most dangerous times for drowsy driving according to ERIE's research?

The most dangerous times are between 10 p.m. to 3 a.m. (42% of respondents report feeling most tired) and 3 a.m. to 10 a.m. (23% report feeling drowsiest).

How many hours of sleep are Americans getting according to the ERIE survey?

54% of Americans sleep less than seven hours nightly, with 43% averaging 5-6 hours and 11% getting four or fewer hours of sleep.

What are the main causes of sleep deprivation identified in ERIE's 2025 study?

Main causes include personal/family stress (52%), anxiety over current events (42%), excessive social media use (24%), and parental duties (14%).

What methods do drivers use to stay awake according to Erie Insurance's survey?

Drivers report consuming caffeinated beverages (63%), turning up music (62%), rolling down windows (58%), talking on the phone (28%), and taking rest breaks (59%).
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