DMV, GTSC Warn of Drowsy Driving Risk Ahead of This Weekend’s Time Change

Ahead of the end of daylight-saving time, the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) and Governor’s Traffic Safety Committee (GTSC) today reminded drivers to be aware of the dangers of drowsy driving. Clocks go back one hour at 2 a.m. on Sunday, November 1.

“Despite gaining an hour, the time change can disrupt sleep, causing people to feel drowsy, and driving while fatigued or drowsy can impair a driver’s ability just like being under the influence of drugs or alcohol,” said New York State DMV Acting Commissioner Christian Jackstadt. “I urge everyone to make sure they are rested before getting behind the wheel. Recognize the warning signs of drowsiness or fatigue, and any time you feel drowsy while driving, find a safe place to pull over and rest.”

Thruway Authority Executive Director Frank G. Hoare, Esq. said, “As Daylight Saving Time ends, it’s important for motorists to be aware of the dangers of drowsy driving. Driving while drowsy can slow down reaction time, decrease awareness, impair judgement and increase the risk of a crash. We remind motorists that the Thruway Authority’s Service Areas located across the state are open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, if motorists need a safe place to take a break if they are feeling tired.”

State Health Commissioner Dr. James McDonald said, “As Daylight Saving Time ends, it’s important to remember that changes in our sleep patterns can leave us feeling tired and less alert behind the wheel, we need to plan for this. Drowsy driving puts everyone on the road at risk. Roads and traffic can look different because of the change in sunlight. I encourage all New Yorkers to take care of themselves, so get enough sleep, recognize the warning signs of fatigue, pull over in a safe place if needed and stay extra alert as we all adjust to the time change.”

State Department of Transportation Commissioner Marie Therese Dominguez said, “The end of Daylight Saving Time serves as reminder that driving drowsy is just as dangerous as driving distracted or driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. So, please, if you feel tired or fatigued, pull over safely, or don’t drive at all. Let’s all do our part to help everyone reach their destination safely.”

In 2025, preliminary data from the Institute for Traffic Safety and Management (ITSMR) shows that in 3,371 police-reported crashes in New York, “fatigue/drowsy driving” and/or “driver fell asleep were listed as contributing factors. In those crashes, six involved a fatality and 1,284 involved a personal injury. [MW1.1][PB1.2][MW1.3]

Young drivers ages 18-29 have the highest likelihood of driving drowsy (71 percent) compared to other age groups, according to the National Sleep Foundation (NSF). The NSF uses the end of Daylight Saving Time to begin its Drowsy Driving Prevention Week, November 1-7, and the New York Drowsy Driving Partnership uses that time to promote its “Stay Awake, Stay Alive” campaign.

Commercial drivers are also at increased risk. From January 1, 2020, through December 31, 2025, drowsy/fatigued commercial drivers were involved in 742 crashes in New York, resulting in 526 injuries and five fatalities, according to data from NYS DOT and the New York State Sheriffs’ Association. Other at-risk groups include shift workers, business travelers and parents or caregivers of infants and young children.[AB2.1][PB2.2][AB2.3]

The warning signs of drowsy driving include repeated yawning, struggling to keep one’s eyes open and focused, forgetting the last few miles driven, tailgating or missing traffic signals, and swerving or drifting between lanes of traffic.

Drivers should get adequate sleep before driving, take breaks every 100 miles or two hours, and bring a passenger to help keep them awake and share the driving. Avoid alcohol before driving and always be aware of the potential side effects of medications. The safest thing to do when drivers experience drowsiness is to pull over and find a safe place to sleep.

Learn more about the dangers of drowsy driving and other traffic safety initiatives on DMV’s website and the GTSC website. We also encourage you to follow the DMV conversation on Facebook, X, Instagram and LinkedIn and see what is being discussed on GTSC’s Facebook, GTSC’s X and its Instagram channel.

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