Have you ever been behind the wheel and found yourself dozing off?

Sadly, for two 19-year-old college students, driver fatigue cost them their lives when the driver of a tractor-trailer fell asleep and veered into their lane, hitting them head one.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports that driver fatigue is the primary cause of approximately 100,000 accidents reported to the police each year.

Know the warning signs.

If you experience any of the following, you may be suffering from driver fatigue:

• You yawn or find yourself daydreaming.
• You experience blurry vision and have difficulty keeping your eyes open.
• You feel exhausted and want to lay down.
• You don't notice a vehicle until it passes.
• You don't recall driving the last few miles.
• You wander over the center-line or shoulder of the road.

How Can You Avoid Causing an Auto Accident

• Don't drink any alcohol. Even one glass of alcohol can add to drowsiness.
• Avoid driving between midnight and 6 a.m.
• As soon as you become sleepy, pull over and rest, even if it's just 20 minutes.
• Take frequent breaks if driving for long periods.
• Check to make sure over-the-counter medication doesn't cause drowsiness.

Unfortunately there is nothing you can do to prevent other drivers from falling asleep at the wheel, but you can make sure you take the right steps to keep yourself and family safe.

Cellino & Barnes - 800-621-2020