AAA: Drowsy driving kills thousands each year

More than 20 percent of fatal crashes in the U.S. involve driver fatigue, according to new research from the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety. Dozing off behind the wheel can become an even bigger issue this time of year as the evening work commutes get darker and darker.

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The research also found that each year, more than 6,000 fatigue-related crashes result in at least one fatality.

"It's definitely a bigger problem than we thought," said Tracy Noble, spokesperson for AAA Mid-Atlantic. "This is very alarming."

Noble attributed the findings to the fact that nowadays, people are always "on" and connected, as they go through the regular duties of having a job and picking up the kids from soccer practice.

"Unfortunately, sometimes sleep goes by the wayside," Noble said, noting the best way to avoid fatigue behind the wheel is getting the proper amount of rest.

According to AAA, young adult drivers, ages 19-24, are more likely than older drivers to admit to drowsy driving.

Many campaigns nationwide have focused on the dangers of texting while driving, or drinking and driving, but little outreach has focused on keeping motorists awake. Noble said she hopes this report brings more attention to the issue. This new research by AAA highlights the risk of drowsy driving as part of The National Sleep Foundation's Drowsy Driving Prevention Week, which runs from Nov 2 to 9.

For longer trips, drivers are advised to take a break every two hours or 100 miles. Traveling with a passenger, and taking turns behind the wheel, can be a big help as well.

A press release from AAA urges motorists to understand and pay attention to the signs of drowsy driving: