Tired? Then don’t get behind the wheel.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration estimates that 1,550 people will die and at least 40,000 more will be injured this year as a result of drowsy driving. In addition to the human toll, accidents caused by tired drivers will result in $12.5 billion in damages.

Drowsy driving is a major problem throughout our country. According to surveys, 50% of American drivers admit to operating a vehicle while drowsy, and 20% say they’ve fallen asleep at the wheel within the past year. That means that, at any given time, there’s a very good chance that the driver in the lane next to you may be ready to doze off and lose control of his vehicle. (Get more facts about drowsy driving.)

Drivers who are overly tired typically experience diminished judgment and slower reaction times, just like those who drive while under the influence of alcohol or drugs. In fact, being awake for 20 hours produces the same degree of impairment present in a driver with a blood alcohol level of 0.08, the legal limit in every state.

Drowsy Driving Prevention Week is November 8 -14, 2010, but eliminating the causes of the problem is something we all must focus on year ‘round. Here are a few tips from DrowsyDriving.org:

• Don’t drive if you’re tired or on medication that may make you tired.
• Don’t rely on the radio or the wind from an open window to keep you awake.
• Don’t drive at times you’d normally be sleeping.
• Do get plenty of quality sleep before a long drive.
• Do pull off the road and find a safe spot to nap if you’re sleepy.
• Do consider consuming caffeine. The equivalent of 2 cups of coffee can keep you alert for several hours.
• Do drive with a friend or loved one who can keep you engaged and awake.
• Do wear your seat belt.