On eve of July 4 weekend, gov't issues 'sleepy driver' report

NEW YORK (AP) -- Many millions of U.S. drivers are expected to hit the highways over the holiday weekend - and some of them may be nodding off behind the wheel.<br /> <br /> According to a government survey released Thursday, about 1 in 25 adults say they recently fell asleep while driving.<br /> <br /> The government estimates about 3 percent of fatal traffic crashes involve drowsy drivers, but other estimates have put the number as high as one-third.<br /> <br /> The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention released its latest drowsy driving report on Thursday, along with these tips on how to stay awake:<br /> <br /> -Get enough sleep the night before.<br /> <br /> -Avoid alcohol and other sedatives before driving.<br /> <br /> -Break up the drive with naps, coffee breaks or a change of drivers.<br /> <br /> -Avoid driving late at night or very early in the morning, when your body is telling you that you should still be in bed.<br /> <br /> -If you notice yourself beginning to doze, pull over immediately.<br /> <br /> Some warning signs: Frequent yawning, drifting from your lane or driving over a shoulder rumble strip, missing exit or traffic signs, difficulty remembering the last few miles driven.<br /> <br /> An estimated 41 million Americans are expected to travel at least 50 miles or more this Independence Day weekend - up 2 percent from last year, according to auto club AAA. About 85 percent will be traveling by car.

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