Drowsy driving is often compared to drunk driving because the effects of both are quite similar. So the question of which is worse is a common one. Statistically speaking, one could argue that drunk driving is worse based on the number of reported fatalities. In 2017, 795 deaths caused by drowsy driving is dwarfed by the equivalent drunk driving number of 9,949 deaths. Based on these numbers, it’s easy to say drunk driving is far worse. But part of the danger of drowsy driving is the fact that it’s not only hard to detect drowsiness as the reason for a crash (as opposed to a definitive alcohol test) but, also, that it’s often not reported. According to the Sleep Foundation, experts believe that the true number of deaths from drowsy driving is closer to 6,000 annually. This brings drowsy driving to a lethal level much closer to drunk driving.