Micro‑sleep risks rise on Czech highways during summer travel

An analysis by the Czech traffic‑safety portal shows that driver micro‑sleep incidents surge in the summer months. In June and July, micro‑sleep or driver sleep accounted for more than 2 % of all road accidents – over 2 200 crashes each month – and represented the highest share of fatalities on highways, where 7.6 % of accidents were linked to driver sleep loss. The study, covering 2014‑2025, recorded 18 570 accidents caused by driver drowsiness, averaging more than 1 500 such crashes per year.

The report highlights the greatest danger period as around 03:00 a.m., when micro‑sleep contributed to more than 6 % of all accidents. Risk factors include night driving, long uninterrupted trips, high temperatures and monotonous motorway traffic. Experts advise drivers to stop immediately at the first sign of fatigue – yawning, heavy eyelids, difficulty keeping attention or head‑nodding – and to take short breaks, stretch, hydrate or nap before continuing.

The findings underscore the need for heightened awareness among summer travelers and suggest that even brief rest stops can markedly reduce the likelihood of severe collisions caused by driver drowsiness.