Driving while fatigued can be a significant contributor to a fatal car accident. This circumstance can affect short or long-distance drivers and typically isn’t a result of driving itself. Fatigued drivers choose to get behind the wheel and ultimately make decisions that result in an accident.
Lack of sleep, demanding work hours, physically demanding circumstances, and even age influence fatigued driving and could result in life-altering injuries, death, or the injury of others. If you have sustained injuries due to the negligence of a fatigued driver, contact a personal injury lawyer for a thorough assessment of your case. Knowing tips to help avoid driving while fatigued can save your life and others.
7 Tips to Avoid Driver Fatigue
Avoiding driver fatigue starts with your actions before deciding to drive. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration estimates nearly 800 fatalities and 50,000 injuries result from drivers who drive while fatigued. 328,000 car accidents occur every year as a result of fatigued driving, according to the AAA foundation. To avoid injury or death as a result of driving while drowsy, consider the helpful tips below.
1. Get Enough Sleep the Night Before Driving
Getting a good night’s sleep before a road trip or driving is essential to begin your journey on a safe note. Seven to eight hours of sleep will help you stay alert and keep you from driving fatigued and potentially causing an accident later.
2. Start Your Trip Earlier in the Day
Begin your trip earlier in the day, about an hour or two after you get up, to avoid the risk of driving late and becoming tired on the road.
3. Make Frequent Stops
Making frequent stops during your trip will keep you alert during a long journey. Aim for about 20 minutes of rest every three to four hours. Allowing your body to stretch, move around, and stay active will help your blood circulate to your brain and aid in staying alert for the next leg of the trip.
4. Do Not Drive Under the Influence
Driving after using drugs or alcohol is one of the leading causes of driver fatigue and can be life-threatening to you and those around you. Because alcohol is a depressant, it is likely to make you drowsy even after one drink.
5. Listen to Talk Radio or Podcasts Rather Than Music
Listening to music when starting a trip can be a good way to stay alert and energized. After some time, however, most people begin to drown out the music as they become fatigued. Listening to talk radio or podcasts rather than music can be beneficial because you are more likely to stay engaged in the conversation.
6. Don’t Use Cruise Control
When you’re tired, cruise control can be detrimental to your alertness on the road. Using your feet and hands while driving can help your body stay engaged and keep you from dozing off.
7. Turn on the AC
Temperature is overlooked when considering fatigue on the road. Having the AC on can keep you from getting too comfortable. Increasing the temperature to warm you up can be detrimental and can lull you to sleep if you are driving while fatigued. Once you feel tired, consider turning on cooler air to jolt yourself awake.
Consult with a Personal Injury Lawyer If You Have Been Injured Due to Driver Fatigue
It is essential to avoid driving while fatigued so that you can avoid lasting injuries. If you have been injured because of the actions of another fatigued driver, the legal team at Feller & Wendt, LLC™, can assist you in possibly recovering damages for the injuries you sustained.
The personal injury attorneys at Feller & Wendt, LLC™ have over 70 years of combined experience fighting for their clients to receive the compensation they deserve due to personal injuries. For a free consultation with our knowledgeable legal team, call 801.499.5060 or fill out our contact form for an assessment of your unique case.
