As Eastside drivers get used to the changes brought on by the start of Daylight Savings Time, the Washington State Patrol (WSP) is offering tips for commuters driving without enough sleep.

The first week of November is Drowsy Driving Prevention Week, said WSP spokesman Chris Webb. According to the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety 28 percent of motorists, about one in four, reported being so tired behind the wheel they had a hard time staying awake on the nation’s roads. More than 30 percent of people who reported driving drowsy were college age, 19-24 years old.

“Driving drowsy can have a tremendous impact on not only the driver, but others who are traveling on the highways,” Webb said.

Seven people in Washington state died as a result of drowsy driving in 2013, according to the Washington State Traffic Safety Commission.

To mark Drowsy Driving Prevention Week, the WSP offers the following tips to make sure drivers are refreshed and alert behind the wheel.

• Get a good night’s sleep before hitting the highway.
• Give yourself plenty of time to arrive at your destination.
• Pull over and take a break every two hours or 100 miles.
• On long trips, use the buddy system to share driving duties.
• Avoid consuming alcohol or medication that can have side effects or cause drowsiness.
• Don’t drive at times you would normally be asleep.

For more information on the effects of drowsy driving and how to prevent it, visit www.drowsydriving.org.