The experts disagree. They say there are a wide range of personal and societal problems that have their root in solo commutes, especially those of the long-distance variety. People are working longer hours, experiencing greater stress in the workplace and at home, and sleeping less. When they hit the road they re encountering more and more traffic. All of these factors plus too much time alone behind the wheel can spell trouble.
Most solo drivers say they can deal with their commutes.
But Drobnich and other authorities from the transportation and psychology fields say people who drive alone usually don t realize the effect their commutes have on them, a fact which makes them more susceptible to a wide range of hazards. According to Drobnich, Americans on average are sleeping less and less. This means that the monotony of highway driving puts them at greater risk of falling asleep behind the wheel. This is especially true for people alone behind the wheel. One study on people s ability to predict when they would fall asleep was done in 1993 for the American Automobile Association.