Fatigued Driver to Blame for Fatal Accident on Kentucky Highway

Thursday afternoon a woman was killed, and others suffered injuries due to a crossover accident on U.S. 60 near the Jefferson/ Shelby County line.  The accident occurred when the driver of a westbound car may have fallen asleep while driving, crossing over into the eastbound lane striking another car.  The passenger in the eastbound car was pronounced dead at the scene, the driver of the eastbound car suffered two broken legs.  The driver of the westbound car along with his passengers, two children were transported to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.

Driver fatigue is an issue that people may not realize it is effecting you when you don’t know it.  You can ask many new parents who have babies that have trouble going to sleep how they remedy the problem.  One of the most popular and successful tricks is riding them around in the car.  They generally fall asleep pretty quickly.  Cars are geared for comfort, climate control, heated and cooled seats and comfortable seats.  Add this to the humming the cars make and any driver may become sleepy at the wheel.  There are several ways to prevent driver fatigue, a few are listed below:

•    Stop driving if you feel sleepy.  Drink a caffeinated beverage but wait 30 minutes or so before taking the wheel again.  That’s how long it takes for the caffeine to enter the bloodstream..  You may use that 30 minutes to take a short nap.
•    Drive at times when you are normally awake.
•    Avoid foods that are high in carbohydrates, they can make a person sleepy.  Opt for foods with high protein levels.

For more information on driver fatigue, other safety tips and Louisville, Kentucky attorney  go to www.mikeschaferlaw.com