After a long, cold winter, more daylight is a welcome sight across the Northeast. But as daylight saving time approaches, AAA Northeast is reminding drivers to catch up on rest before getting behind the wheel. The time change can impact sleep patterns, leading to an increased risk of drowsy driving.
More than 6,300 people in the U.S. died in suspected drowsy driving crashes in 2023 — 10 times more than the number of deaths reported in federal crash data, according to a new report from the Governors Highway Safety Association. Research shows that official statistics on the prevalence of drowsy driving have long been underestimated, because it’s difficult for police officers to determine fatigue as the cause of a collision. Fatigue, unlike alcohol or drugs, leaves no physical evidence that can be tested.
While many drivers understand the dangers of drowsy driving, it still occurs too often. Most drivers (93%) in a recent AAA study said that driving while having a hard time keeping their eyes open was extremely or very dangerous, yet almost 20% of those respondents said they engaged in the behavior in the previous 30 days.
“Drowsy driving can be just as dangerous as impaired driving, depending on your level of fatigue,” said Jillian Young, director of public relations for AAA Northeast. “To ensure a safe commute as we adjust to the time change, it’s crucial to be well-rested and extra vigilant behind the wheel.”
AAA offers drivers the following tips as daylight saving time approaches:
- Stay well-rested. Prioritize getting at least seven hours of sleep before driving and travel at times of the day when you’re normally awake. If you feel drowsy behind the wheel, pull over to a safe location, lock your doors and take a quick nap.
- Travel with an alert passenger whenever possible. Drowsy driving crashes occur most frequently between midnight and 6 a.m. or in the late afternoon, when people experience dips in their circadian rhythm. These crashes often involve only a single driver with no passengers.
- Ditch the distractions. Drowsy and distracted driving is a bad combination. AAA research shows that while the majority of drivers perceive reading on a cellphone as dangerous, nearly 37% reported engaging in the behavior in the previous 30 days. Put away your phone, turn it to airplane mode or activate the “do not disturb” feature.
- Never drive impaired. Most drivers understand how dangerous driving after drinking is, yet 7% of drivers surveyed by AAA admitted to doing so in the previous 30 days. If you consume cannabis or alcohol, don’t drive. Avoid getting behind the wheel if you are taking medications that cause drowsiness or other impairments.
- Buckle up. A properly worn seat belt is the most effective way to survive a crash. Buckle up before driving and tell your passengers to do the same.
State-specific data:
In Connecticut, from 2021 to 2025, there were more than 6,200 crashes involving an asleep or fatigued driver, according to the Connecticut Crash Data Repository. Of those crashes, over 2,200 resulted in injuries and eight were fatal.
In Massachusetts, from 2021 to 2025, there were more than 8,400 crashes involving a drowsy driver, according to the Massachusetts IMPACT Crash Data Portal. Of those crashes, nearly 3,330 resulted in injuries and 29 were fatal.
In New Jersey, from 2021 to 2025, there were more than 11,800 crashes involving a drowsy driver, according to Numetric. Of those crashes, more than 3,000 resulted in injuries and 30 were fatal.
In New York, from 2021 to 2025, there were more than 14,000 crashes in which fatigue or drowsiness was a contributing factor, according to the New York Traffic Safety Statistical Repository. Of those crashes, more than 2,600 resulted in injuries and 12 were fatal.
Based in Rhode Island, Jillian Young is AAA Northeast’s director of public relations. She regularly appears in local TV, radio and print media to discuss traffic safety, travel, insurance and more.
