Fatigued or drowsy driving is far more common than most people realize. Fatigue correlates to noticeably increased collision risk. Exhausted drivers may cause crashes because they fall asleep at the wheel or cannot react quickly enough to changing traffic circumstances.
Motorists who are aware of how risky fatigued driving actually is can be more assertive about avoiding drowsy driving. The three tips below are among the most important for those aspiring to limit their chances of causing a crash due to fatigue.
1. Prioritizing adequate rest
Factors including an individual’s age and sex, as well as any other medical conditions they might have, can influence how much sleep they truly require. Many adults can function normally with as few as six hours of sleep. Others may need closer to the standard eight hours or even more than that. People typically need to understand that they cannot rely on coffee or other sources of caffeine to eliminate their fatigue. In some cases, excessive caffeine consumption can actually worsen the symptoms of fatigue.
2. Scheduling breaks on long trips
Commercial motorists who operate buses or semi-trucks generally have mandatory breaks worked into their schedules. Those operating passenger vehicles can copy that trick and schedule breaks when driving long distances. Those attempting to drive for multiple hours may need to schedule a break every two to three hours at the bare minimum. Appropriate rest while driving can help people minimize their risk of highway hypnosis and stave off fatigue. Moving their bodies and refueling with food and/or beverages can help those driving long distances limit their sense of fatigue in traffic.
3. Recognizing the signs of fatigue
Frequently, the early warning signs of fatigue include a lack of energy. People may even start to feel drowsy. Their heads may drop as they drive, indicating that they might be at risk of experiencing microsleeps or falling asleep completely. Muscle fatigue and feelings of weakness can also be warning signs of physical exhaustion. People may notice that they develop a new headache while driving for hours or that a minor headache slowly becomes worse. People may also feel anxious or irritable. They may notice that they have difficulty making decisions or recalling critical information. Those yawning and demonstrating other signs of fatigue may need to pull over to rest or ask someone else to drive until they recover.
Unfortunately, even when people are proactive about safety in traffic, they could cross paths with others who are less safe. Fatigued drivers cause thousands of preventable collisions every year. Some of those crashes lead to substantial property damage losses and injuries. The team at Tarry Law Firm, LLC, is passionate about providing support to those coping with the aftermath of a car crash. Securing assistance when evaluating a wreck and its aftermath can help people reduce their long-term losses.