Dangerous drowsy driving increases risk of crashing

Driving when you're sleepy is extremely dangerous and can dramatically increase the risk of getting into a car accident. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports drowsy driving results in more than 100,000 accidents each year.

Yet the National Sleep Foundation reports that about 60 percent of American drivers admit to getting behind the wheel when they were feeling drowsy, and about one-third have actually fallen asleep while driving. Engineers are currently working on technology that will be able to monitor driver health. This will either warn drivers when they're in danger so they can safely come to a stop, or take over control of the vehicle to prevent a crash.

This technology is a long way off from being implemented in commercial vehicles, but the risk of crashes due to drowsy driving is still very real. Drivers may want to invest in car warranties so they are covered if certain repairs are needed.

The foundation reports that younger drivers between 18 and 29 are most prone to drowsy driving. However, older adults may be just as susceptible to dozing off at the wheel. The News Tribune reports that sleep disorders tend to develop and worsen as people age.