Although there is lack of specific data on the prevalence of drowsy driving in the Philippines, increasing reports of road accidents attributed to sleep-deprived drivers prompted the Philippine Society of Sleep Medicine (PSSM) to launch the “TABI MUNA” drowsy driving prevention campaign last December 2025.
‘TABI MUNA’ is a three-episode series of TV commercials (TVCs) made in partnership with the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA), Department of Transportation (DOTr), Uratex Philippines, Philips Respironics, and Petron Corp. and is shown in MMDA LED billboards along EDSA and in movie theatres in Metro Manila.
‘TABI MUNA,’ which means pull over in English, advises motorists to ‘pull over’ on the road shoulder to take a nap if physically tired or lacks sleep.
PSSM President Jimmy Chang told national media at the launching that staying awake for extended periods produces effects similar to intoxication, including impaired reflexes and judgment.
At the center of this risk is microsleep, which he defined as brief involuntary episodes, usually ranging from three to 15 seconds, where a person becomes unresponsive, and often occurs without warning, even when the eyes are open.
During these episodes, Chang said drivers lose reflexes, awareness, and memory.
He points to sleep deprivation, or getting less than six to seven hours of sleep per night, as the primary trigger for microsleep.
This creates a growing “sleep debt” that the body will eventually try to repay, often during dangerous moments.
Factors contributing to drowsiness include long hours, late-night driving, sleep apnea, and dehydration, which slow reaction time and impair mental awareness, according to PSSM.
The danger intensifies at highway speeds, it said. A driver experiencing a three-second microsleep while traveling at 60 kilometers per hour covers roughly 50 meters without control. At 15 seconds, that distance reaches 250 meters. At 100 kilometers per hour, he said a vehicle can travel more than 400 meters while the driver is effectively unconscious.
Among the most vulnerable are shift workers, commercial drivers, and young motorists, with the latter often combining poor sleep habits with limited driving experience, thus heightening accident risks.
The PSSM website counsels drivers to resort to prevention and countermeasures, among them are:
Prioritize sleep: Get adequate sleep (7-9 hours for most adults) before a long drive.
Take breaks: Stop to rest for at least 15 minutes every two hours or 150 kilometers.
Share the driving: If possible, have a co-driver to share the burden of a long trip.
Stay hydrated and avoid heavy meals: Drink plenty of water and avoid sugary foods that can cause a subsequent energy crash.
Be mindful of your body: Recognize warning signs like constant yawning, sore eyes, and difficulty keeping your head up.
Use caffeine wisely: A caffeinated beverage can provide a short-term boost, but do not rely on it alone. Follow up with a nap if possible.
Pull over: The most effective solution is to pull over and rest. No destination is worth the risk of a crash.
Keep the environment cool: Use the air conditioning or open a window to help you stay alert.