Wed Apr 02 06:50:00 UTC 2025: **FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE**

**Erie Insurance Survey Reveals Alarming Rise in Drowsy Driving**

**ERIE, Pa., April 1, 2025** – A new survey from Erie Insurance reveals a disturbing trend: 14% of Americans admit to falling asleep at the wheel. This alarming statistic, coupled with Erie Insurance data showing a steady increase in drowsy driving incidents since 2020, highlights a growing threat on America’s roads.

The survey, conducted by Falls & Co. in February 2025, polled 1,000 licensed drivers nationwide. It found that more than half (54%) of respondents sleep less than the recommended seven hours per night, with 11% getting four hours or less. The most common sleep duration reported was five to six hours (43%).

Insufficient sleep significantly impairs driving ability, leading to reduced alertness, slower reaction times, and difficulty concentrating. The survey indicates that the most dangerous driving times are between 10 p.m. and 3 a.m. (42% of respondents reported feeling most tired during this period) and 3 a.m. and 10 a.m. (23%). Driving during these hours disrupts the body’s natural sleep-wake cycle, exacerbating drowsiness.

The problem is particularly acute for those whose jobs require driving, with 25% of respondents stating driving is a core responsibility of their work.

While many drivers attempt to combat drowsiness with methods like taking rest breaks (59%), talking on cell phones (more prevalent among women), or drinking coffee, Erie Insurance cautions against these distractions and stresses the importance of adequate rest.

Contributing factors to sleep deprivation include stress (52%), anxiety (42%), excessive social media use (24%), and parental responsibilities (14%). The excessive use of electronic devices, with their blue light emissions, further disrupts sleep patterns.

Erie Insurance is launching a public awareness campaign to combat drowsy driving, urging drivers to prioritize sleep and offering practical tips for improving sleep hygiene. The company emphasizes that prioritizing sufficient sleep is crucial for both personal well-being and road safety. The company also recommends putting away electronic devices an hour before bed.

**About Erie Insurance**

Erie Insurance Group is a Fortune 500 company and a leading provider of auto, home, and business insurance. For more information, visit http://www.erieinsurance.com.

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