Services
Insurance
Loans
Repairs
Advice
About

What causes blackouts while driving?

I was riding to work with a colleague the other day, and she passed out behind the wheel. I was able to get her conscious again before we got into an accident or anything, but it really scared me. She said it’s never happened before, so what might have caused it?

avatar
Sarah Gray · Updated on
Reviewed by Shannon Martin, Licensed Insurance Agent.
Blackouts are scary enough on their own, but when they happen while someone is driving they’re also incredibly dangerous. While it’s sometimes difficult to know what causes blackouts while driving, these are some of the most common causes:
  • *Fainting—responsible for more than 50% of blackouts and can be caused by anything from overheating to stress.
  • *Syncope—refers to temporary loss of blood flow to the brain, due to cardiovascular disease or arrhythmias
  • *Epileptic seizures
  • *Drug use or intoxication
  • *Sleep disorders
  • *Hypoglycemia—low blood sugar
While it’s likely your friend just suffered a fainting spell, it’s important she sees a doctor as soon as possible to rule out any possible underlying medical causes for her fainting spell.
While blackouts can come on unexpectedly, you can count on
Jerry
to always find savings for you on
car insurance
.
Jerry is your ultra-talented car insurance broker for life. No need to sit across from him at a desk: Jerry is an app! It takes less than a minute to sign up, and you’ll be presented with competitive rates from dozens of top providers.
No long forms. No calling around. No hard work. Just savings.
The average Jerry user saves $887 a year on car insurance.
MORE: What happens if you have a seizure while driving?
View full answer 
WHY YOU CAN TRUST JERRY
Jerry partners with more than 50 insurance companies, but our content is independently researched, written, and fact-checked by our team of editors and agents. We aren’t paid for reviews or other content.

Join 4M+ members in lowering their car insurance

Easiest way to compare and buy car insurance

√
No long forms
√
No spam or unwanted phone calls
√
Quotes from top insurance companies
Find insurance savings