Drowsy driving has led to over 300 crashes this year
Jun 11, 2025, 3:23 PM | Updated: 3:31 pm
Officials are urging drivers to be alert while driving. (Canva)
(Canva)
SALT LAKE CITY — Utah’s Highway Safety Office is urging people to stay alert while driving. Drowsy driving has factored into 344 crashes in Utah so far this year.
According to data from the Department of Public Safety, there are more than 900 drowsy driving-related crashes each year, but the number of deadly crashes varies.
Related: As summer starts, here’s a reminder of Utah road rules
Utah Highway Safety Office Communications Manager Jason Mettmann said there haven’t been any fatalities from drowsy driving in 2025. However, the potential for fatal crashes still exists.
Common times for drowsy driving
Mettmann said the peak times for drowsy driving crashes are between 6 a.m. and 7 a.m. and around 4 p.m.
Crashes are pretty spread out throughout the year, but officials see them increase around certain times of year.
“We see spikes in daylight saving time when we change the clocks forward or back, when people are messing with their sleep schedules and having to adjust to daylight hours.”
He said people shouldn’t try to power through. Instead, just pull over and take a nap.
“It’s a totally preventable issue and drivers just need to stay alert and be ready for the task at hand that is driving safely.”
Related: UDOT cautions Utahns to practice safer driving around semitrucks
