BUFFALO, N.Y., November 8, 2010 – In recognition of Drowsy Driving Prevention Week, AAA and the National Sleep Foundation have teamed up to sound the alarm on the seriousness of sleepy drivers. According to new analysis of crash data from National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, an estimated 16.5 percent of all fatal crashes involve a drowsy driver and 13.1 percent of drowsy driving crashes result in hospitalization.

"Many of us tend to underestimate the negative effects associated with fatigue,” said Tom Chestnut, President/CEO of AAA Western and Central New York. “Sleepiness decreases awareness, slows reaction time, and impairs judgment, just like drugs or alcohol, ultimately contributing to the possibility of a crash.”

A recent survey by the AAA Foundation for Traffics Safety revealed that two out of every five drivers (41 percent) admit to falling asleep at the wheel at some point, with one in ten saying they’ve done so in the past year. More than a quarter of those surveyed admitted to driving drowsy within the last month, despite being so tired that they had difficulty keeping their eyes open. Eighty-five percent of respondents said it was “completely unacceptable” to drive drowsy.

To remain alert and avoid drowsy driving, AAA suggests:

• Getting plenty of sleep (at least six hours) the night before a long trip;
• Scheduling a break every two hours or every 100 miles;
• Traveling with an awake passenger and at times when you are normally awake; and
• Stop driving if you become sleepy; someone who is tired could fall asleep at any time.

Symptoms of sleepiness include but are not limited to:

• Having trouble keeping your eyes open and focused;
• Frequent yawning and the inability to keep your head up;
• Daydreaming or having wandering, disconnected thoughts; and
• Drifting from your lane, tailgating, missing signs or driving past an intended exit.

“Unfortunately, too many drivers have adopted the ‘I’m tired, but I can make it’ mentality,” said Chestnut. “This data underscores the importance of educating drivers on the simple, yet effective steps they can take to prevent a possible tragedy.”

For more information about drowsy driving, including a full report and fact sheet, visit www.AAAFoundation.org.

As Upstate New York’s largest member services organization, AAA provides nearly 880,000 members with travel, insurance, financial and automotive related services. Since its founding in 1900, AAA has been a leading advocate for the safety and security of all travelers. Visit AAA at www.AAA.com.