Driving while you’re drowsy is as dangerous as getting behind the while drunk or on drugs, according to a new report by the American Academy of Sleep Medicine.

The report, published in the Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine, underscores a new warning from the academy that drowsy driving is a serious public health concern and should be a wake-up call for greater public awareness and increased efforts to prevent it.

"Every year thousands of people die in preventable motor vehicle accidents caused by drowsy driving," said AASM President Dr. Nathaniel Watson. "The American Academy of Sleep Medicine believes that an awake and alert driver makes the roadways safer."

The AASM reports that drowsy driving, defined as operating a motor vehicle while impaired by a lack of adequate sleep, can have the same consequences as driving while under the influence of drugs and alcohol.

Drowsiness reduces alertness and attentiveness, delays reaction times, and hinders decision-making skills. It often occurs while motorists are moving at high speeds, making them less able to avoid a crash, resulting in serious accidents.

The AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety has linked drowsy driving to 328,000 crashes annually in the U.S., including 6,400 fatal crashes. Young drivers between the ages of 16 and 24 years are most at risk, and males have a higher risk than females.

The AASM has developed model drowsy driving language for states to include in driver's manuals, educational programs, and licensing examinations.

Drowsiness while driving can be a symptom of obstructive sleep apnea. The AASM advises anyone who struggles to stay awake behind the wheel, despite getting adequate sleep, to consult a doctor.