There are a lot of dangerous things that can be done while driving. One dangerous thing to do while driving that people may not often think of, is driving while you feel sleepy or drowsy. Drowsy driving is so dangerous that the National Highway Traffic Administration states that it caused 846 deaths in 2014. Because drowsy driving puts you at a greater risk of being involved in an accident, it should be avoided.

A recent accident in Florida demonstrates the danger of driving while drowsy. The accident occurred around 7:00 am on June 3rd at a toll plaza. The vehicle was speeding into the toll plaza and ended up hitting it. The force of the collision with the toll plaza sent one of the vehicle’s passengers through the air and into one of the toll booths. Fortunately, all four of the occupants of the vehicle including the one that was that was ejected, survived the the accident. Law enforcement officials who investigated the accident believe that the driver of the vehicle was either asleep or tired at the time of the collision.

Because drowsy driving increases the risk of accidents, it should always be avoided. Here are some tips to help avoid engaging in driving while drowsy:

• Ensure that you are getting enough sleep as sleep is the best way to prevent drowsy driving. You should aim to get 7-8 hours of sleep a night.
• If you are experiencing difficulty focusing, frequent blinking, heavy eyelids, having trouble remembering the last few miles you drove and/or having trouble keeping your head up, you may be driving while drowsy. If you are experiencing these symptoms, you should pull over in a safe place to take a short nap for 15-20 minutes.
• If you are taking a long trip, you should schedule regular stops about every 100 miles or so.
• Travel long trips with a companion. A companion can help spot signs of drowsy driving and switch drivers when needed.

By making sure that you are not driving when you are drowsy, you can help make the roadways safer for everyone and help prevent accidents.