We have all heard about the dangers of drunk driving, and how driving while on sedating medications is not recommended. The less publicized phenomena of "fatigued" driving can be equally dangerous, however, many people are not aware of it.

Many of us have episodes of sleepless nights, or evenings where we stayed up all night with a sick child. The next day, we may think that we are alert enough to drive, but the truth is that sleep is a powerful biological drive, and one that can affect even the best of drivers.

Blasting the air conditioner, or rolling down the window don't really work. So, as a driver it is important to know what signs of drowsiness to look out for so you can protect yourself and other motorists.

When it is time to pull over:

• You are nodding off
• Your vision is impaired
• Frequent yawning spells
• Drifting out of the lane
• Missing exits or traffic signs
• Difficulty remembering driving the last few miles

Driving Fatigued is Similar to Driving Drunk

Driving while extremely fatigued can be very similar to drunk driving. A fatigued driver will experience lapses in attention, and slowed reaction time, both of which are very dangerous.

Driving is a complex activity that requires cognitive attention, visual attention, and manual attention from the driver. If a driver falls asleep at the wheel, the effects can be deadly.

According to the National Sleep Foundation, studies show that excessive drowsiness increases a person's risk taking, while decreasing their judgment.

While drinking coffee or energy drinks improves mental alertness, it is only a temporary fix, and the effects of caffeine wear off. It is best to get 7 to 8 hours of rest before you drive, and it also helps not to drive between the hours of midnight and 6 a.m. Due to your body's natural biological rhythm, these are the hours that tiredness is the most intense.