Getting behind the wheel when you are feeling a bit sleepy may not seem like a major risk factor for car accidents, but drowsy driving is in fact a very dangerous behavior. According to AAA, operating a vehicle while feeling sleepy can have similar effects as driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol. It can slow your reaction time, and negatively impact your judgment and awareness.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recently surveyed more than 147,000 motorists about drowsy driving. The results revealed a few factors that could be connected with this risky issue.

First of all, 4.2 percent of the participants admitted they had fallen asleep while driving in the past month. This was found to be more prevalent among men than women, but there were other circumstances that contributed to drowsy driving as well. Self-reported snoring and getting less than six hours of sleep at night were both linked to dozing off while driving.

"Drowsy driving is a serious risk to personal health and public safety, and snoring is an important warning sign that should not be ignored," said Dr. Sam Fleishman, president of the American Academy of Sleep Medicine, according to SleepEducation.com. "Loud and frequent snoring is a common symptom of obstructive sleep apnea, a sleep illness that causes excessive daytime sleepiness."

It is important for drivers to take precautions to avoid drowsy driving. ZZZ recommends getting at least six hours of sleep before a long drive, scheduling breaks every two hours or 100 miles and stopping the car if you begin to feel tired.

In order to stay even safer on the road, drivers should look for vehicles that have plenty of safety features, including lane departure warnings and brake assist. Many newer used cars have these technological devices, so car shoppers may be able to find safe cars at New Jersey Auto Auction.