What increases your crash risk while driving?

Driving while sleepy significantly increases your crash risk because fatigue impairs your attention, reaction time, and decision-making abilities, similar to the effects of alcohol. When you're drowsy, your body can experience lapses in focus, reduced alertness, and slower cognitive processing. This can lead to an inability to react timely to sudden changes in traffic, such as stopped vehicles or pedestrians. Studies consistently show that drivers who are fatigued are at a higher risk of causing accidents, as they may not be able to sustain sufficient vigilance over extended periods.

In contrast, driving with the radio turned off is typically associated with fewer distractions, using GPS devices can enhance navigation and awareness of surroundings, and driving only during the day generally provides better visibility and awareness compared to nighttime driving, which can further reduce risk. Therefore, it is essential for drivers to prioritize rest and avoid driving when feeling sleepy to maintain safety on the road.