We live in a fast-moving world where everyone is trying to do more with less sleep. But when you’re on the road, fatigue doesn’t care about your deadlines. Drowsy driving is responsible for thousands of preventable crashes each year, and many of them involve people who thought they were just “a little tired.” The truth is, losing even two hours of sleep can affect your driving as much as a few drinks would.
For many California commuters, early mornings and long workdays are the norm. Combine that with long stretches of highway, warm car cabins, and repetitive scenery, and your alertness can fade faster than you realize. Microsleeps — brief moments when your brain shuts down for just a few seconds — can happen without warning. At 65 mph, even a two-second lapse means your car travels nearly 200 feet completely out of control.
It’s not just about sleep duration but also sleep quality. Shift workers, new parents, and people who use their phones or caffeine late at night may never reach deep, restorative rest. Over time, chronic fatigue becomes normal, and that’s when mistakes happen. The best way to fight fatigue is prevention: get seven to nine hours of good sleep before driving, plan rest stops on longer trips, and share driving duties when possible. If you find yourself fighting to stay awake, exit the freeway safely and take a quick nap instead of pushing through.
Driving drowsy doesn’t just put you at risk — it endangers everyone sharing the road. So next time you think you can tough it out, remember: it’s better to arrive late than not at all. Stay alert, drive smart, and if you’re tired, get out of the driver’s seat until you’re ready.
In and Out Traffic School encourages drivers to slow down, rest up, and stay safe out there.
