Summary:
- Drivers should drink coffee in the morning to prevent drowsy driving
- Experts suggest adults get seven to nine hours of sleep a night to prevent drowsiness
- Truck drivers can become fatigued from long working hours and can take a nap to prevent drowsiness
- Drowsy people can order an Uber or Lyft ride to get home safely
- Drivers should avoid driving late at night when they could be drowsy
One common cause of car accidents throughout the United States is drowsy driving. This is when someone is tired behind the wheel from exhaustion, lack of sleep, or the effects of medication and alcohol. They can make mistakes behind the wheel due to a lack of focus, poor vision, reduced decision-making, and slow reaction times caused by drowsiness.
Drivers must take it upon themselves to avoid causing a drowsy driving accident for which they can be held liable. Some ways to avoid drowsy driving include having a full night of sleep, drinking coffee after waking up for a morning commute, using a rideshare service when they are too tired to drive, taking a nap, and avoiding driving late at night.
Drink Coffee Before Leaving for Your Morning Commute
Car accidents occur when someone intentionally or unintentionally engages in negligent driving behavior. One such behavior that can cause a car accident is drowsy driving, when someone suffers issues with focus, vision, and decision-making because they are too tired.
Drivers who are tired while driving can make mistakes that can cause accidents. Before getting behind the wheel, drivers must ensure they aren’t too tired to operate their vehicles effectively. They can experience issues with drowsiness in the morning due to poor sleep. Combating their exhaustion this early can include drinking coffee.
Coffee contains caffeine, which can lock the sleep receptors in your brain to make you feel more awake. Consuming this caffeinated drink can help you wake up and make it so you can be alert behind the wheel, avoiding mistakes that can cause a car accident.
Make Sure You Get At Least Seven Hours of Sleep Per Night
Drivers can experience drowsiness in the morning because they do not get enough sleep. People who do not get enough rest while sleeping at night can experience negative effects associated with drowsiness. Our bodies and brains need to rest to work optimally throughout the day, which is why people must ensure they get enough sleep.
Sleep experts suggest that adults should get between seven and nine hours of sleep per day. Getting this much sleep can support healthy brain function and allow people to avoid issues with drowsiness. Those who get this much sleep can be more alert during their morning commute and can avoid mistakes that can cause a car accident.
Take a Nap Before Getting Back Behind the Wheel
Truck drivers commonly cause drowsy driving accidents because they can have to drive for over ten hours per day. Exhaustion and fatigue can set in for long hours behind the wheel. Truck drivers must combat their drowsiness to avoid crashing into other vehicles and causing catastrophic damage to drivers and passengers.
One way to prevent a drowsy driving truck accident is to get rest during the day. Truck drivers have rest stops that they can take advantage of. They can pull into these areas, park their truck, and take a nap when drowsiness sets in. Even an hour’s worth of sleep can help a truck driver avoid drowsiness that can lead to truck accidents.
Use Rideshare Services When You Are Too Tired to Drive Safely
Some people may be too tired to drive safely and do not have the time to take a nap. In that case, they should not try to go through with their commute like normal. The effect drowsiness can have on their brain can lead to them making mistakes that cause a rear-end, T-bone, or head-on collision.
Instead of getting behind the wheel, they should order a ride from a rideshare service. Uber and Lyft can provide a driver to bring you home for a fee, allowing you to get home without exposing other drivers to car accident risk. Those who opt for rideshare can pick their car up the next day when they are more awake and can safely drive home.
Avoid Driving Late at Night
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the most common time for a drowsy driving accident is late afternoon and between midnight and 6 am. For people who work late, it’s unavoidable to drive during periods when they can be groggy and drowsy.
However, those working earlier in the day should avoid driving at night. If you are tired, this means avoiding going out to restaurants, bars, and other social activities with friends. You may think you can power through, especially if it’s a short drive home, but even a slight issue with focus when drowsy can expose others to severe car accident injury risk.
Contact The Russo Firm for Help With Your Drowsy Driving Accident Claim
At The Russo Firm, our car accident lawyers can help you pursue compensation for car accident damages caused by a drowsy driving accident. They can use their decades of experience and vast expertise to help you develop a legal counsel plan. Contact us for a free case evaluation today at (561) 270-0913 or leave a message on our online contact page.
Frequently Asked Questions About Drowsy Driving
What are the Signs of Drowsiness While Driving?
Drivers must stay wary of signs of drowsiness. If they exhibit signs of drowsiness before departing, they should prepare a different plan for getting to or from work, school, or social activity. Driving while tired can lead to mistakes that can cause a car accident, such as running a red light, swerving into another lane, or cutting off a driver with the right of way.
The following are some signs of drowsiness:
- Yawning
- Barely able to keep eyes open
- Blinking constantly
- Trouble remembering recent activities
- Heavy eyes
- Swerving all over the road
- Confused state of mind
Can Alcohol Make You Drowsy Behind the Wheel?
The negative effects of drunk driving and drowsy driving are similar. A driver who drinks too much alcohol or takes strong medication can become drowsy and make mistakes behind the wheel. Drivers should avoid alcohol and heavy medication to prevent driving issues, such as memory problems, decision-making issues, and blurry vision.
How Can a Car Accident Lawyer Help With Your Driving While Tired Accident Claim?
Those who suffer from drowsy driving accidents should hire a car accident lawyer to help with the process of their claim. A car accident lawyer can use their experience to inform the claim process and help with the many steps involved. They can help calculate damages, determine liability, collect evidence, and negotiate a fair settlement.
