DON’T DRIVE DROWSY: The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) and various eateries around the northwest region will stress the dangers of drowsy driving and urge motorists to get enough sleep during their “Donut Drive Drowsy” campaign today and Wednesday.

The two-day initiative occurs during Drowsy Driving Prevention Week, which kicked off with the end of daylight savings time on Sunday and runs through Saturday.

Customers who visit locations like The Arbor Coffee House Cafe & Tea Room in Warren Tuesday and present evidence of getting at least seven hours of sleep the night before will be offered a free pastry.

Most fitness trackers have a function that tracks a user’s sleep, and staff may ask to see your tracking app to verify your sleep.

According to PennDOT data, there were 1,881 crashes last year involving a driver who was fatigued or asleep statewide, resulting in 11 fatalities. The northwest region recorded 86 drowsy driver crashes, 40 of which resulted in injuries.

Driving while fatigued has similar effects as driving under the influence of alcohol.

Being awake for 18 hours impairs a driver’s ability about as much as a blood alcohol level of .05 percent. Being awake for 24 consecutive hours impairs driving ability as much as having a blood alcohol level of 0.10 percent, which is above the legal limits.

The warning signs for drowsy driving include:

— Having trouble keeping your eyes open and focused;

— Daydreaming or having wandering, disconnected thoughts;

— Drifting from your lane or off the road, or tailgating;

— Missing signs or driving past your intended turn or exit.