There are more drivers on the roads during Thanksgiving and Christmas season than any other time of year, so health educators at Cornell University warn motorists to be especially careful about driving while sleepy.

"While any driver can be at risk for drowsy driving, adults between the ages of 18 and 26 are in one of the highest risk groups because they tend to stay up late, sleep too little and drive at night," said James B. Maas, professor of psychology at Cornell University and a nationally known expert in the problems of sleep deprivation.

"Driving drowsy is the same as driving drunk," Maas said, "driving drowsy refers not only to drivers who actually fall asleep at the wheel, but also to drivers who are so fatigued that they are slow to perceive risky situations and unable to respond quickly enough to avoid a crash." According to the National Sleep Foundation these are some of the things you can do to avoid drowsy driving.

oGet a good night's sleep before setting out. The average person requires about 8 hours of sleep at night.

oDrive during the day when you are normally awake. Take a mid-day break and stop overnight, sleep at least from midnight to 6 a.m.

oAvoid alcohol and medications that cause drowsiness. Alcohol alone can cause drowsiness.

oOn long trips, make sure you have a companion. Passengers can share time at the wheel, talk with you, and spot early signs of fatigue.

For more information go to: www.drowsydriving.cornell.edu.