Every teen and adult driver is very aware of the dangers of drinking and driving, and now even texting while driving. But driving drowsy is just as serious and can be just as devastating as driving while intoxicated, according to the Washington State Patrol.

In 2010, there were 17 people killed and 74 seriously injured in Washington State because motorists were either drowsy or had fallen asleep while driving, the Patrol said. Estimates from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration say that nationally drowsy driving results in 1,550 deaths, 71,000 injuries and more than 100,000 accidents each year.

“It always breaks my heart to hear that someone was killed or injured because a driver fell asleep at the wheel; these are totally preventable deaths and collisions,” said Chief John Batiste, Washington State Patrol.

There are warning signs when motorists are tired or experiencing drowsy driving such as: trouble keeping their eyes open and focused, and/or heavy eyelids; difficulty keeping their head up; drifting from their lane, swerving, tailgating and/or hitting rumble strips; inability to clearly remember the last few miles driven; missing traffic signs or driving past their exit; yawning repeatedly and rubbing their eyes; feeling irritable or restless.

Washington State Patrol reminds drivers as they head home after a vacation, drive home from college, or make an extended drive for work, to take specific steps to prevent drowsy driving and fall-asleep crashes.

Get a good night’s sleep before you hit the road.

Don’t be too rushed to arrive at your destination. Many drivers try to maximize the holiday weekend by driving at night or without stopping for breaks.

Use the buddy system. Just as you should not swim alone, avoid driving alone for long distances. A buddy who remains awake for the journey can take a turn behind the wheel and help identify the warning signs of fatigue.

Take a break every 100 miles or two hours.

Take a nap – find a safe place to take a 15- to 20-minute nap, if you think you might fall asleep. Be cautious about excessive drowsiness after waking up.

Avoid alcohol and medications that cause drowsiness as a side-effect.

Avoid driving at times when you would normally be asleep.

For more information about preventing drowsy driving, go to AAA Washington’s How To Avoid Drowsy Driving, and to learn more on the prevalence of drowsy driving on state highways by the AAA Foundation For Traffic Safety, Asleep at the Wheel: The Prevalence and Impact of Drowsy Driving.