Message Us
Call Us Report: Missing Two or Three Hours of Sleep Doubles Crash Risk
By Anderson, Cummings & Drawhorn, LLP on December 15, 2016
Drivers double their risk of an accident if they get behind the wheel after getting just five or six hours of sleep, according to a new report from the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety.
This is particularly alarming given the fact that 35 percent of drivers say they sleep fewer than the recommended seven, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Unfortunately, driving after getting less than seven hours of sleep is often deadly, as one in five fatal crashes each year involves a drowsy driver.
The AAA report found the odds of a crash steadily increased as the amount of sleep decreased:
- Six to seven hours of sleep increased the odds of a crash to 1.3
- Five or six hours of sleep increased the odds to 1.9
- Four and five hours increased the odds to 4.3
- Less than four hours increased the odds to 11.5
Drivers who sleep for less than five hours in a 24-hour period have a crash risk comparable to that of a drunk driver.
Although 97 percent of drivers told the AAA Foundation that driving after missing sleep is incredibly dangerous, one in three admitted that they struggled to keep their eyes open behind the wheel at least once in the past month.
The AAA report, titled Acute Sleep Deprivation and Risk of Motor Vehicle Crash Involvement, is an analysis of a representative sample of more than 7,000 drivers who were involved in more than 4,500 crashes.
Drowsy Driving Symptoms
If you experience any of these symptoms while driving, you are at increased risk of a drowsy driving crash and should pull over:
- Struggling to keep your eyes open
- Drifting in and out of your lane
- Not remembering the last few miles traveled
However, more than 50 percent of drivers involved in drowsy-driving crashes experienced no symptoms before falling asleep at the wheel. That is why it is so important to get plenty of sleep before hitting the road.
If you were injured or a lost a loved one in a drowsy driving crash, contact a Fort Worth accident attorney at our firm for a free legal consultation. Our Fort Worth personal injury lawyers are committed to obtaining fair compensation for victims of negligence, including drowsy driving.
Call us at (817) 920-9000 or complete our Free Case Evaluation form.
This page has been written, edited, and reviewed by a team of legal writers following our comprehensive guidelines. This page was approved by attorney Seth Anderson, whose team has more than 50 years of combined legal experience in helping victims of personal injury seek justice.
Recent Blog Posts
What Happens If a Pedestrian Caused an Accident? Legal and Practical Considerations
February 25, 2026
A pedestrian can face legal and financial responsibility when pedestrian actions directly trigger a collision, although Texas law still evaluates every party’s conduct before assigning fault. At Anderson, Cummings & Drawhorn, LLP, we often speak with Fort Worth residents asking what happens if a pedestrian caused an accident , especially...
Read Article
What to Do If Someone Sues You for a Car Accident in Texas
September 26, 2025
Being sued after a crash is one of those situations nobody expects, and when it happens, it can feel overwhelming. You may worry about your finances, your reputation, and how to even begin responding. Many Texans search for what to do if someone sues you for a car accident in...
Read Article
What Is a Rolling Stop and Why Is It Illegal in Texas?
August 22, 2025
Drivers across Texas may not even realize they’re doing it, but what is a rolling stop? It’s when a vehicle slows down at a stop sign or red light but doesn’t completely halt before entering the intersection. It might feel like a minor shortcut, especially when there appears to be...
Read ArticleRequest a Free Case Evaluation
Tell us about your accident and your injuries. An injury lawyer from our team will call and provide you with a free evaluation of your case. If we can help, and you are unable to travel, we will come to your home, office, or hospital. It’s easy – let’s get started.
Email Us Anytime
Email us anytime and we will get back to you.
We’ll Come To You
Our attorneys will come to your home, office or hospital at your convenience.
Available 24/7
Our team is ready and waiting to help you today.
