Driving while fatigued can be just as dangerous as driving under the influence. In honor of Drowsy Driving Prevention Week, it’s important to raise awareness of how being sleepy behind the wheel impacts not just your safety, but also the well-being of everyone on the road.

Consider these startling statistics from the National Sleep Foundation:

• 1 in 25 adults admit to falling asleep while driving in the past 30 days.
• Drowsy driving leads to more than 100,000 crashes every year in the U.S.
• These crashes cause approximately 71,000 injuries and 1,500 fatalities annually.

Fatigue slows your reaction time and impairs judgment, making it more likely that you'll miss critical cues on the road or fail to react in time to avoid an accident.

Preventing Drowsy Driving:

• Get enough sleep: Aim for 7-9 hours per night.
• Take breaks: If you're on a long trip, stop every 2 hours for a rest.
• Know the signs: Yawning, heavy eyelids, and drifting lanes are red flags that you need to pull over.

For more statistics and resources on how to stay safe, check out the full collection from the National Sleep Foundation here.

Remember, drowsy driving not only puts your life at risk, but also endangers everyone around you. Stay rested and stay safe on the road!