A Few Simple Ways to Avoid Drowsy Driving
Drowsy driving is one of the most common causes of car accidents not only in Florida, but across the country. Fortunately, there are strategies that motorists can use to help reduce the possibility of drifting off while driving and being the cause of a crash.
Drowsy Driving is Dangerous
While falling asleep at the wheel is clearly dangerous, many people don’t realize that driving while drowsy can sometimes be just as perilous, as it:
- Makes it harder for drivers to pay attention to the road;
- Slows reaction times; and
- Affects decision-making ability.
Unfortunately, a lot of people drive while drowsy. In fact, according to a survey conducted by the CDC, as many as one out of every 25 adults admitted not only to driving while drowsy, but to having fallen asleep at the wheel in the last month. Drivers who recognize some of the signs of drowsy driving, like yawning or blinking frequently, missing an exit, drifting into another lane, or hitting the rumble strip should be sure to pull over right away to avoid causing an accident.
Getting Enough Rest
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), adults need at least seven hours of sleep a night. By getting the right amount of rest, you can ensure that your body has the time it needs to repair itself and rest up for the next day. Healthy sleep habits include avoiding caffeine after sundown, exercising regularly, and using herbal supplements directly before bed.
Recognizing Medical Issues
Besides getting the right amount of sleep, however, it is important that the quality of that sleep be sufficient. Not feeling rested after getting enough sleep, waking up repeatedly during the night, and experiencing symptoms of sleep disorders could all be indicative of poor sleep quality. Some of the most common sleep disorders include sleep apnea and insomnia, both of which can result in chronic fatigue. Other symptoms include difficulty focusing and persistent memory loss. If you recognize these symptoms, you should consider seeking the advice of a sleep specialist, who can point you in the right direction for sleep therapies and medications.
Scheduling Your Time
Another way to lower your chances of driving while fatigued is to try to remain realistic about your schedule. Pulling an all-nighter when a deadline is looming, for instance, can lead to a driver later falling asleep at the wheel. By carefully scheduling your time you can avoid putting yourself in these kinds of high pressure scenarios. Digital planners and calendars can also help keep you on track.
Call Today for Legal Assistance
Even drivers who use the greatest of care to remain well-rested so as to avoid driving while drowsy could end up injured in an accident because of someone else’s negligence. If this happened to you or a loved one, please call the experienced Florida car accident lawyers at Boone & Davis, as you could be entitled to compensation for your losses. You can reach a member of our legal team at 954-566-9919 or via online message.
Sources:
cdc.gov/sleep/about_sleep/how_much_sleep.html
cdc.gov/sleep/features/drowsy-driving.html
