Driving Tired is Becoming a Big Problem in the Gem State

Everyone knows that driving drunk is not safe and that it puts everyone at risk. Getting behind the wheel after a few drinks puts the driver at risk, other drivers, and anyone out there, as it can at times lead to drivers going off the road. While this is all true, it isn't the only type of driving that is dangerous. Driving while tired puts everyone at risk as well and can be even more dangerous. Far too often, drivers get behind the wheel when they are tired and starting their day too early, or driving too late and fading, when they should be in bed. Driving drowsy could lead to death in Idaho, and the statistics are alarming in the state and continue to rise. 

Drowsy Driving Deaths

Most drivers have driven drowsy and know how dangerous and scary it can be. Driving while tired can lead to going off the road, being startled, and can be some of the toughest driving there is. A recent study released by autoaccident.com revealed which states have seen the most fatalities from driving while drowsy, and according to the study, Wyoming is the worst state to drive in, with 7.52 fatalities for every 100,000 drivers, and a total of 67 fatalities from 2019 to 2023. While not the highest number of deaths, the percentage of fatal accidents, compared to drivers in the state, is alarming. Maine was the second-worst state with 45 fatalities during that time frame and 3.29 fatalities per 100,000 drivers. The state with the most drowsy fatalities was the third worst state, which is Texas, with 764 deaths, but only a percentage of 3.25 per 100,000 drivers. 

Driving Drowsy in Idaho

So, is driving drowsy an issue in Idaho? According to the study, Idaho is one of the 10 worst states for driving while tired, with 38 deaths from 2019 to 2023 and a percentage of 1.85 per 100,000 drivers. Not surprisingly, June and July, which fall during the 100 deadliest days, are when most of these deaths take place, with 9 in June and 6 in July. One surprising thing is that most of these deaths take place early in the morning, between 6 AM and 7 AM. Getting awake and driving to work seems to be a bigger issue than driving home late at night. With the lack of street lights, two-lane roads, and darkness in the middle of nowhere in the country, it is easy for drivers to let their minds wander and begin to drift. It is important not to let your eyes stare off into the horizon and not get drowsy when behind the wheel. 

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If you begin to feel tired when traveling for the holidays, driving on a vacation, or driving to or from work with the shorter days, make sure to get some caffeine, pull over and take a power nap, or roll down the window and let the cold weather wake you up. Driving tired may not get the same attention that drunk driving does, but it can be just as dangerous, if not more, because it can affect anyone at any time. For more on the study, make sure to click the link above.