New study reveals the US states with the highest drowsy driving fatalities

A new study has revealed the states with the highest share of drowsy driving fatalities. Here’s a summary: 

• Wyoming leads the nation, with over 10% of all traffic deaths involving drowsy drivers.

• Maine and Colorado follow, both reporting over 4.9% of fatalities linked to driver fatigue.

• Florida has the lowest share, with only 0.5% of fatal crashes attributed to drowsy driving.

• States with large rural areas like Montana, Idaho, and Alaska are overrepresented in the top 10.

• The national average for drowsy driving fatalities is around 1.64%, showing how far above average these top-ranking states are.

Drowsy driving is a quiet killer on American roads, often overlooked but alarmingly common. Falling asleep at the wheel, even for just a few seconds, can have deadly consequences. While it may seem like something that only happens during long-haul night drives, studies show that fatigue-related crashes can occur at any time of day. Contributing factors include long distances, lack of rest stops, untreated sleep disorders, shift work, and even monotony on certain roads.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), drowsy driving is responsible for thousands of crashes and hundreds of deaths each year. But which states are most affected by this hidden danger? 

A new study by personal injury lawyers at Angel Reyes & Associates set out to answer that question by analyzing fatal crash data from 2019 to 2023. The study ranked states based on the percentage of traffic fatalities that involved a drowsy driver. 

1. Wyoming – 10.26%

Wyoming holds the unfortunate top spot, with drowsy drivers responsible for over 10% of the state’s 575 fatal crashes over five years. That’s more than double the next-highest state. The wide-open roads, long travel distances between towns, and sparse rest stop infrastructure in this rural state could likely play a major role. Drivers may be travelling for hours without a break, especially in winter when treacherous conditions also increase stress and fatigue.

2. Maine – 5.64%

In second place is Maine, where 41 out of 727 fatal crashes were linked to drowsy driving. The state’s quiet, low-traffic rural roads might ironically make it easier to nod off, especially during late-night drives or long trips through wooded areas. Maine also has one of the oldest populations in the country, and age-related fatigue or medication side effects may be a subtle factor here too.

3. Colorado – 4.90%

Colorado sees a large number of fatal crashes overall (3,122), but drowsy drivers account for nearly 5% (or 153) of those. With long stretches of rural mountain roads, high altitudes, and ski town commutes that often require early-morning or late-night travel, it’s easy to see how tiredness creeps in. Road trips through scenic mountain passes can also lull drivers into a false sense of alertness.

4. Alaska – 4.55%

Alaska’s vast landscapes and lack of daylight in winter may be the perfect recipe for driver fatigue. Out of 308 total fatalities over five years, 14 involved a drowsy driver. The state’s unique climate, with extended darkness in winter and long daylight hours in summer, can disrupt sleep cycles, potentially making it harder to stay alert behind the wheel.

5. Montana – 3.75%

Montana follows a familiar rural pattern, with drowsy drivers contributing to 36 of 960 total fatalities. With miles of empty highway and few urban centres, drivers may feel isolated and less stimulated during long trips. Coupled with limited roadside facilities in some areas, the result is a higher risk of falling asleep at the wheel.

6. Texas – 3.61%

Texas may be home to bustling cities and interstates, but its sheer size works against it. With over 3,800 fatal crashes tied to drowsy drivers, the state has both a high total number and percentage of sleep-related deaths. Long-haul truckers, commuters, and rural drivers all share the roads, and overnight travel is common in such a large state.

7. Alabama – 3.36%

Alabama saw 3.36% of its fatal crashes over five years involve a drowsy driver. The state’s hot and humid summers, long interstate drives, and mix of urban-rural traffic may all contribute to the fatigue factor. Southern states also rank higher in obesity and health conditions like sleep apnea, which can worsen drowsy driving risks.

8. Idaho – 3.17%

With its largely rural landscape and long distances between services, Idaho ranks eighth. Drowsy drivers accounted for 3.17% of the state’s 1,010 fatal crashes. Agricultural workers and outdoor recreationists may be on the road at odd hours, increasing the likelihood of fatigue-related incidents.

9. Kansas – 2.88%

Kansas, known for its flat and monotonous highways, comes in ninth. Nearly 3% of the state’s fatal crashes involved drowsy drivers. Long stretches of road with little visual stimulation can lull drivers into drowsiness, especially on late-night journeys or cross-state trips.

10. Rhode Island – 2.68%

Rhode Island may be small, but drowsy driving still plays a notable role, accounting for nearly 3% of fatal crashes. While the state is mostly urban, its ranking might stem from congested commuter routes and late-night travel among shift workers. It’s a reminder that drowsy driving isn’t just a rural issue.

At the other end of the scale…

Florida ranks dead last, with drowsy drivers involved in just 0.5% of the state’s 16,000 fatal crashes. That’s well below the national average of 1.64%. Nevada and North Carolina follow closely with under 0.7%. These states are more urban, with higher traffic density, which may actually help keep drivers more alert. Urban driving tends to involve frequent stops, turns, and interaction, lessening the risk of zoning out.

South Carolina and Wisconsin also report relatively low percentages of drowsy driver crashes. In all, the pattern is clear: states with more rural roads and fewer rest opportunities tend to have more tired drivers causing fatal crashes.

The full list of states with the most fatalities caused by drowsy driving:

Methodology

The study analyzed fatal crash data from the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Crash Data Analysis and Reporting System (CDARS) between 2019 and 2023.

It calculated the percentage of total fatalities in each state that involved a drowsy driver, ranking states accordingly. This percentage-based method highlights where the risk of drowsy driving is proportionally the most dangerous, regardless of total traffic volume.