Attorney at Graves McLain Injury Lawyers
Practice Areas: Wrongful Death, Medical Malpractice, Bad Faith Insurance, Car Accidents, T-Bone Tractor-Trailer Accidents, Dangerous Drugs
Each November, as daylight saving time ends and clocks roll back, many drivers struggle to stay alert. The shift in daylight hours can disrupt sleep patterns and increase fatigue, especially during early morning and evening commutes. That’s why Drowsy Driving Prevention Week is observed nationwide: to raise awareness about the serious risks of driving while sleep-deprived.
Falling asleep at the wheel, even for a moment, can lead to life-changing consequences. This week-long campaign reminds drivers in Tulsa and across the country to take fatigue seriously, recognize the warning signs, and make safer choices before getting behind the wheel.
Drowsy Driving Prevention Week is a national safety campaign held each year in early November, usually during the week following the end of daylight saving time. The National Sleep Foundation organizes it to increase public awareness of the risks associated with driving when fatigued.
This week, drivers are reminded to take sleep seriously. As our clocks shift and the days get shorter, many people struggle to adjust. The result is a spike in fatigue, reduced alertness, and an increased chance of dozing off behind the wheel—especially during morning and evening commutes.
Fatigue-related crashes happen more often than people think. The NHTSA reports about 91,000 drowsy-driving crashes in 2017, with nearly 800 deaths—though actual numbers are likely higher.
Drivers with only 3–5 hours of sleep in 24 hours are unfit to drive. —National Sleep Foundation.
AAA data shows fatigue plays a role in roughly 328,000 crashes a year, including 6,400 fatal ones.
Driving after 20 hours awake is like driving with a 0.08% blood alcohol level.
For drivers in Tulsa and across Oklahoma, the risks increase during seasonal changes and long rural drives. After the clocks fall back in November, many people are driving in darkness earlier than usual. This change disrupts the body’s internal clock and increases fatigue.
Oklahoma’s open highways and long commutes can add to the danger. Falling asleep for even a few seconds—called microsleep—can lead to a serious crash. This is especially true on highways, where speeds are high and reaction time matters.
Tulsa also experiences late-night traffic from shift workers, college students, and travelers, all of whom are at higher risk of drowsy driving.
Some groups of drivers face a higher risk of drowsy driving. Knowing who’s more likely to experience fatigue can help with prevention
Group | Why at Risk | Warning Signs & Impact |
Shift workers | Irregular hours, body clock disruptions | Drifting lanes, slower reaction |
Teen drivers | Less sleep, night driving | Yawning, daydreaming |
Long-haul drivers | Extended hours, repetitive driving patterns | Microsleeps, missed signs |
If you’re driving and notice these signs, it’s time to stop:
These signs mean your brain is already losing focus—even if you think you’re okay to drive.
Preventing drowsy driving isn’t complicated, but it does take some planning and awareness. Simple steps before and during your trip can make all the difference.
Get enough rest. Experts recommend at least 7 to 9 hours of sleep each night. Don’t rely on caffeine to replace proper rest—it can help temporarily, but it’s no substitute for sleep.
Check medications. Many over-the-counter and prescription drugs can cause drowsiness. Always read labels and avoid taking these drugs before long trips Plan. If you have a long drive, schedule breaks every 2 hours or 100 miles. Plan your route with rest stops in mind.
If you start feeling tired behind the wheel, take immediate steps:
Combining a nap with caffeine can be especially effective for short-term alertness during long drives.
Drowsy driving isn’t just dangerous—it can also lead to legal consequences. In Oklahoma, drivers who cause accidents due to fatigue may be held legally responsible. That means if you’re injured in a crash and the other driver was overly tired or asleep at the wheel, you may have grounds to file a personal injury claim.
Proving drowsiness can be complex. Lawyers may use:
Graves McLain Injury Lawyers works with medical professionals, investigators, and safety experts to identify signs of fatigue in accident cases. We know what evidence to look for and how to build a case that supports your claim.
It’s a national campaign launched by the National Sleep Foundation to raise awareness about the dangers of drowsy driving, especially during the time change in November.
Studies show that staying up twenty hours might have an adverse effect on driving ability that is comparable to going over the legal blood alcohol limit. Both cause delayed reaction times and poor decision-making.
Warning signs include frequent Yawning, trouble focusing, lane drifting, nodding off, and difficulty remembering recent road details.
Get a full night’s sleep, take regular breaks, avoid medications that cause sleepiness, and pull over if you feel tired. A short nap and caffeine can help temporarily.
Yes. If a driver’s fatigue causes an accident, they may be liable for your injuries. A lawyer can help you collect evidence and pursue compensation.
Seek medical care, document the scene, note any signs of fatigue, and speak with a personal injury attorney to understand your legal options.
Drowsy Driving Prevention Week reminds us that sleep isn’t optional—especially when lives are on the line. Fatigue on the road leads to crashes, injuries, and fatalities every year. For drivers in Tulsa, it’s essential to recognize the signs, plan, and avoid risky behaviors.
If you or someone you love was hurt in a crash caused by a drowsy driver, the team at Graves McLain Injury Lawyers is here to help. We understand how fatigue plays a role in accidents and know what it takes to fight for your rights. Every case matters—and so does every life on the road.
When injury victims need a law firm with a reputation for excellence, turn to Graves McLain Injury Lawyers. We are a top-rated personal injury firm determined to be the best. With decades of award-winning representation, our clients recover the compensation they need to put their lives back together.
