Sleep. Many of us complain we don’t get enough of it, and a new study shows that the lack of sleep is causing dangerous driving situations on the road.

In recognition of Drowsy Driving Prevention Week (November 6-12), the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety conducted a survey that found nearly all drivers feel drowsy driving is unacceptable and more than half say driving sleepy is a serious threat. However, nearly a third of respondents admit they had a hard time keeping their eyes open while driving in the past month.

In a previous study, AAA found that one in six fatal crashes and one in eight crashes involving injures requiring hospitalization were due to a drowsy driver. More than half said they had fallen asleep on a highway and had drifted into other lanes as a result. Men were more likely to be driving drowsy, as well as drivers under age 24. However, those driving with passengers lowered their risk of being involved in a crash due to drowsy driving by nearly 50 percent.

Drowsy drivers have trouble keeping their eyes and head up behind the wheel, drift out of their lane, can’t remember the last few miles they drove, and miss traffic signs or exits.

Here are some tips from AAA to help prevent drivers from falling asleep behind the wheel.

• Get plenty of sleep (at least seven hours).
• Stop driving if you feel sleepy. Safely pull over and take a short power nap to help you rejuvenate and get back on the road.
• Travel during daylight times and not overnight.
• Take a break every two hours.
• Try some caffeine, although it takes about 30 minutes to feel the effects.
• Travel with someone who will be awake and who can talk to you or take on some of the driving responsibilities. Often lively conversation will help keep you awake and focused.

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