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Drowsy Driving May Be Deadly

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) - We talk a great deal about drunk driving and certainly this is a major issue when it comes to safety on the road. But according to the National Sleep Foundation, a problem of similar importance may be drowsy driving.

According to their Sleep in America poll, 28% of Americans have admitted to falling asleep behind the wheel in 2009. If that's not bad enough, more than 50% say they've driven while drowsy.

So how can you avoid the problem?

There are several key tips: try to avoid driving at times when you'd normally be sleeping. If you are on a long drive, if possible, don't drive alone use the buddy system. Pull over to a safe place and take a nap if you feel sleepy and, perhaps most important, don't be in a rush to get where you are going.

Reported By Dr. Brian McDonough, KYW Newsradio Medical Editor

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