Motorists feeling the effects of too many miles and too little sleep can enjoy a free cup of coffee at 7-Eleven stores in Utah, Colorado and Kansas City during the New Year's holiday.

"The holidays are filled with activities, and frequently people try to do too much," said Bob Bailey, division manager for 416 7-Eleven stores in Colorado, Utah and Kansas City. "We hope our free coffee program will help perk up drivers suffering from a lack of sleep."More than one out of every five drivers has fallen asleep at the wheel at least once, according to recent U.S. Department of Transportation statistics. Sleeping behind the wheel is the primary factor in 200,000 to 400,000 traffic accidents annually in the United States.

From 7 p.m. Friday to 11 a.m. Saturday, drivers may choose a free small-size cup of regular brewed coffee or pick from several specialty flavors at stores in the three participating areas.

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Since the program began in 1988, 7-Eleven has given away 1 million cups of coffee during the New Year's holiday.

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