Reduce Fatigue Before Driving
It is no secret that fatigue is a major contributor to fatal auto accidents across the nation. Being tired while behind the wheel can impact anyone, not just those who are driving long-distance or driving late at night. One important thing to consider is that driving itself isn’t what makes drivers tired; instead, what happens is drivers are likely already tired before they started driving. This is likely to occur due to a wide variety of factors, such as long work hours, not enough sleep, physically demanding activities, and so on.
Safety Tips to Prevent Drowsy Driving
The risks of drowsy driving should be clear. Tired drivers can end up causing a car accident, sustaining severe injuries, or even getting killed because they got behind the wheel at an uncertain time. For these reasons, it is crucial to know the different ways that you can reduce feelings of fatigue before driving. Below are some simple safety tips to keep you and everyone else on the road safe.
- Get Enough Sleep the Night Before: It is recommended to get a minimum of 7-8 hours of sleep each night. This is the average amount of sleep recommended for the average adult. If you do not get a sufficient amount of sleep, you are likely to still be exhausted for your journey on the road.
- Avoid Driving Very Late in the Day: The optimal time to start driving is about an hour after getting up because this is when your brain is the most alert and attentive. Additionally, try to stay away from any mentally or physically demanding tasks that could exhaust you if you have a particularly long drive ahead.
- Maintain Good Physical Posture: Sit in an upright position and double-check that the driver’s seat is moved forward enough to keep your legs from being fully extended. Other postures will make you feel tired within a few hours.
- Keep a Stimulating Environment: Our surroundings can significantly affect our mental state. You can always lower the temperature inside your vehicle and keep it a little chilly. If that does not help, you can try changing the radio stations semi-frequently and never settling on slow, soft music.
- Relax at a Rest Stop: If you feel unable to fight the unsettling feeling of fatigue while you’re driving, find the nearest rest stop or some other safe place to stop your vehicle. Take a nap, but don’t fall asleep for too long. Taking a nap for just 10 minutes can help keep you alert for over two hours, according to the research journal Sleep.
- Take Frequent Breaks: Breaks are essential for anyone that is about to begin a long-distance drive. Ideally, a 20-minute break every three hours will help you maintain your state of wakefulness and alertness. During your breaks, do some light leg stretches and move around as much as possible.
Watch YouTube Video: 5 Tips to Stay Awake While Driving – Avoid Drowsy Driving. This video provides five things drivers can do to stay awake and alert while driving.
Stockton Personal Injury Lawyer
I’m Ed Smith, a Stockton Personal Injury Lawyer. If you have been injured in a car accident that involved a driver who fell asleep behind the wheel, you have a right to seek legal compensation for any damages that you sustained. I would be honored to share my free and friendly legal advice with you, just call me at (209) 227-1931 or (800) 404-5400.
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