As Daylight Saving Time begins this Sunday at 2 a.m., New York State officials are warning drivers that losing even one hour of sleep can increase the risk of drowsy driving, a factor in thousands of crashes statewide each year.
The New York State Partnership Against Drowsy Driving (NYPDD) is promoting its “Stay Awake! Stay Alive!” campaign, emphasizing education for young drivers and commercial vehicle operators—two groups most at risk of driving while fatigued.
According to the Governors Highway Safety Association, 24 hours without sleep impairs driving ability similarly to a 0.10 percent blood alcohol concentration, and drowsy driving contributes to an estimated 328,000 crashes nationwide annually. In New York last year, preliminary data show 3,058 police-reported crashes involved fatigue or drivers falling asleep, with five fatalities and 1,619 injuries.
State and local leaders are stressing the dangers:
- DMV Commissioner Mark J.F. Schroeder says drowsiness can impair judgment and reaction time, and warns of “micro-sleep,” short involuntary lapses in attention that can be deadly at highway speeds.
- State Health Commissioner Dr. James McDonald urges New Yorkers to prioritize rest and recognize fatigue before driving.
- New York State Thruway Authority Executive Director Frank Hoare reminds motorists to take breaks at service areas if they feel tired.
- NY State Police Superintendent Steven G. James highlights that many drivers underestimate the risk of operating a vehicle while fatigued.
The NYPDD and Students Against Destructive Decisions (SADD) are sponsoring a “Stay Awake! Stay Alive!” PSA Challenge for college students to create videos raising awareness of drowsy driving, with cash prizes for winners. The campaign also includes outreach to commercial vehicle drivers, with safety tips and training materials developed in partnership with the Trucking Association of New York.
Officials urge all drivers to:
- Get adequate sleep before driving
- Take breaks every two hours or 100 miles
- Avoid alcohol before driving
- Pull over safely if drowsy, rather than relying on tricks like open windows or loud music
Variable message signs along major highways in New York will remind motorists to “STAY AWAKE, STAY ALIVE” from March 6 through March 9.
For more information and safety tips on preventing drowsy driving, visit:
- GTSC Drowsy Driving Awareness
- StopDrowsyDriving.org
- National Sleep Foundation – Facts About Drowsy Driving
- NHTSA Drowsy Driving Research
