A new study released last week showed young drivers are more likely than older drivers to be involved in a drowsy-driving crash.

The study, conducted by the AAA Foundation, found 16-24 year olds were the age group most likely to be involved in drowsy driving crashes and nearly one in seven licensed drivers in that age bracket admitted to nodding off while driving in the past year, compared with one in ten of all licensed drivers.

The new data echos findings from a 2010 AAA Foundation study that analyzed data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. An earlier study also showed one in six deadly accidents involved a drowsy driver, which makes it one of the leading contributing factors in traffic crashes.

NHTSA estimates drowsy driving causes more than 100,000 crashes yearly, resulting in 40,000 injuries and 1,550 deaths.

AAA urges all drivers to get plenty of sleep that night before a long trip, avoid driving when you would normally be sleeping, schedule a break every two hours or every 100 miles and travel with a companion who can take a shift driving.

If you have suffered any type of serious personal injury, it may be beneficial to discuss your personal situation with an experienced Wisconsin personal injury attorney. Call today for your free, initial consultation.