The Perils of Driving While Drowsy According to studies reported by the National Highway Traffic Safety administration (2011), drowsiness is blamed for tens of thousands of traffic accidents each year—and 1,500 deaths. The best way to avoid an accident if you’re sleepy? Get off the road and rest. Opening windows and turning up the radio and air conditioning are not effective ways to maintain alertness (Centers for Disease Control, 2013).

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