An estimated 145 million US adult drivers, or 61%, have driven while impaired by sleepiness at least once, and nearly 35 million report doing so at least monthly, according to the National Sleep Foundation's (NSF) 2026 Drowsy Driving Report.
Despite the prevalence of drowsy driving, approximately 40% of adult drivers do not recognize basic warning signs of sleep-related impairment, raising concerns about motorists' ability to identify when they are unsafe to drive.
The report examined self-reported drowsy driving behaviors, recognition of impairment, familiarity with driver-alertness technology, and public attitudes toward prevention policies. The NSF presented the findings to policymakers, safety leaders, and researchers at its 2026 Drowsy Driving Forum in Washington, DC. The accompanying announcement did not specify the survey sample size, recruitment methods, or data collection period.
Among the warning signs frequently overlooked were excessive blinking, head-nodding, and drifting from traffic lanes. Other indicators identified by the NSF included frequent yawning, difficulty keeping the eyes open, and missing highway exits. The organization cited data from the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety indicating that drowsy driving contributes to approximately 1 in 5 fatal motor vehicle crashes.
The report also examined awareness and use of vehicle-based monitoring systems. Although 58% of adults reported familiarity with driver-alertness monitoring technology, only 31% had used it. However, 62% expressed concern that information collected by these systems could be misused.
Public attitudes toward legal accountability varied depending on the consequences of impaired driving. Approximately 62% of adults supported making drowsy driving illegal when it resulted in serious injury or a fatal crash, whereas 39% favored prohibiting drowsy driving outright.
Support for preventive measures was also substantial. The NSF estimated that more than 91 million US adults supported requiring driver-alertness monitoring technology in all new vehicles. A similarly sized population favored mandatory education about sleep and drowsy driving as part of driver licensing requirements.
The NSF recommends 7 to 9 hours of sleep nightly for most adults and 8 to 10 hours for adolescents of driving age. Its prevention guidance advises drivers experiencing signs of sleepiness or insufficient sleep to stop safely, take a break, or arrange alternative transportation rather than continue driving.
Source: The National Sleep Foundation
