When we consider the common factors that typically cause car accidents, driving under the influence and texting while driving often come to mind. However, a new study conducted by the AAA Foundation reveals that driving while drowsy can be just as dangerous as getting behind the wheel after having a few cocktails.

According to AAA's research, drowsy drivers are involved in one out of every six deadly car crashes and one out of eight accidents that result in a serious injury. Even though a recent poll indicated that 96 percent of drivers acknowledged the fact that driving while drowsy was dangerous, approximately one-third of drivers admitted to getting behind the wheel while they were tired, regardless of the risk.

Another troubling statistic that was revealed through the AAA Foundation's study was that approximately 41 percent of drivers polled admitted to having fallen asleep while driving at some point in the past. AAA's Director of Traffic Safety and Advocacy added in a recent news release that, "over half of these drivers have reported falling asleep on high speed roads." While falling asleep at the wheel is dangerous in and of itself, adding a high rate of speed to the equation can result in life-altering, or even deadly, consequences.

Drivers can decrease their chances of being involved in a serious collision by taking a few simple precautionary measures. For example, drivers should aim to get at least seven hours of sleep before embarking on a long road trip. Making frequent stops, drinking caffeinated beverages, traveling with a companion and pulling over to take a nap as soon as you start to feel drowsy are all ways that can make sure that you arrive at your destination safely.

Source: USA Today, "Drowsy driving 'unacceptable,' but one-third do it" Nov. 10, 2011