(Image source: Glendale News-Press and Leader)

BY LOGAN TITTLE

ANCHOR MEGAN MURPHY

If you ever find yourself getting a little drowsy while driving—this might help you wake up.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration conducted a survey of nearly 150,000 drivers in 19 different states and discovered 4.2% openly admitted to falling asleep behind the wheel in the last 30 days.

The CDC published analysis of the study Thursday and found men were more likely to report dozing off than women and young drivers were more common than older drivers.

But Medical News Today reports health officials suspect the sleepy number is actually higher than reported.

“...because many people do not notice when they nod off for a few seconds while driving.”

The Los Angeles Times has a few tips from the CDC on how to avoid dozing off on the road.

·       Drivers should plan to get enough sleep, roughly 7 to 9 hours, before their trip

·       Find treatment for any sleep disorders

·       Avoid consuming any alcohol before driving

·       If worst comes to worst and you find yourself nodding off, the best thing to do is get off the road and rest.