This week is Drowsy Driving Prevention Week, a week designated not only for the prevention of future drowsy driving, but a week to also remember those affected by drowsy driving.

Over 1,550 people die each year from drowsy driving accidents, and over 71,000 injuries are due to sleepy drivers, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. While many people think turning up the radio, or rolling their window down might help them stay awake, the truth is that without the proper sleep, your driving will be impaired.

The National Sleep Foundation, in order to memorialize those who have lost their lives to drowsy driving, has created a Drowsy Driving Memorial Site, where you or your loved ones can go to memorialize someone you have lost to drowsy driving. Even if you haven't lost someone to this trajedy, but you have had your life changed by the effects of drowsy driving, you can go to this site and testify.

Additionally, you may leave your testimonial about what Drowsy Driving Prevention Week means to you here on MySleepCentral.com. Feel free to talk about what you intend to do in the future to prevent you or your loved ones from driving while their tired, or talk about the experiences you've had on the road when you haven't had enough shut eye.

The more you tell our community about your experiences, the more aware and educated others will be about this often under-the-radar killer.