Top 8 ways to reduce driving fatigue on the road

75454599 Drowsy driving is a major contributor to auto accidents all over the country. Many drivers fail to realize that drowsy driving can be just as dangerous as driving while under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Fortunately, if you’re feeling fatigued behind the wheel, there are many things you can do to protect yourself and the safety of others sharing the road.

What Are Common Causes Of Driver Fatigue?

Many factors can lead to a drowsy driver, including:

Lack Of Sleep: When a person sacrifices sleep to meet the demands of social obligations, family, or work, they may experience slowed reaction times, drowsiness, and impaired decision-making when they get behind the wheel.
Sleep Disorders: Sleep disorders such as narcolepsy, insomnia, or sleep apnea can impact the quantity and quality of a person’s sleep, leaving an individual unable to concentrate, as they struggle to stay awake throughout the day and behind the wheel.
Long Hours Spent Behind the Wheel: Spending several hours on the road for work or during a cross-country adventure can quickly become exhausting and will often take a toll on the driver’s physical and mental well-being. Some commercial drivers are under significant pressure to meet tight deadlines, which prevents them from getting as much rest as they should.
Medications: Certain prescription medications, such as antidepressants, can cause unwanted side effects like drowsiness. A person should not get behind the wheel when taking a new medication until they have determined how their medication affects them.
Driving Under the Influence Of Drugs and Alcohol: Driving under the influence of drugs and alcohol can cause a driver to pass out behind the wheel. It also slows down the driver’s central nervous system, impairing their judgment, decreasing their alertness, and slowing down their reaction times. When combined with fatigue, the effects of drugs and alcohol may be even more pronounced.

What Are the Signs Of Driver Fatigue?

When you’re on the road, it’s important to be able to identify the signs of a drowsy driver. Some telltale indicators of drowsy driving include:

Inconsistent or erratic driving: A drowsy driver will have trouble maintaining a consistent speed and may alternate between driving too fast and driving too slow. They may also suddenly brake or accelerate unnecessarily.
Swerving or drifting into other lanes: A driver who is tired behind the wheel may drift into another lane or swerve all over the road.
Following too closely: A drowsy driver may have trouble paying attention to the changes in traffic and may end up following the vehicle in front of them too closely. Because they have a slower reaction time, following too closely can result in an accident.
Delayed response to traffic signs and signals: Motorists who fail to react to changing traffic lights or fail to follow traffic signs may be experiencing fatigue.
Forgetting to put headlights on: A drowsy driver may fail to put their headlights on when driving at night.

What Effects Does Drowsy Driving Have On a Motorist?

Driving while fatigued has similar effects to driving while under the influence. It can impact a driver’s reaction time, judgment, vision, senses, and more.

What Are the Best Ways to Reduce Fatigue?

The top eight ways to reduce driving fatigue include:

Getting enough sleep
Listening to the radio
Staying hydrated
Avoid using cruise control
Take turns driving with a friend
Roll down the windows
Start a trip as early in the day as possible
Take plenty of breaks along the way

Should I Hire a Car Crash Lawyer After An Accident?

If you were involved in an auto accident caused by a drowsy driver, you may be entitled to compensation. At Lem Garcia Law, a car accident lawyer on our legal team can help you fight for the fair compensation you deserve. Our legal team knows how to investigate an accident and gather vital evidence that can strengthen your claim and help you recover the fair settlement you’re owed. While you focus on your recovery, we will handle the insurance company and ensure you obtain compensation that can cover the cost of pain and suffering, past and future medical treatment, lost wages, property damage, and more.

Contact Us Today

If you were involved in a motor vehicle collision caused by a drowsy driver, you may be entitled to compensation. Contact the legal team at Lem Garcia Law today to schedule a free case review with an experienced car accident lawyer on our legal team to learn more.