Kentucky Accident Blog

Ways to Avoid Fatigued Driving

Driving while fatigued, just like driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, can be hazardous and can lead to an auto accident.  When a person is sleepy their reaction time is slower, their awareness is less acute, judgement is impaired and in some cases the driver experiences increased aggression.  All of these factors indicate a dangerous driver.  The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has reported that fatigue is the cause of almost 100,000 accidents every year.  Of those 1,500 people are killed in these accidents and 71,000 are injured.  There are ways to prevent falling asleep while driving.

•    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.
•    Get lots of sleep the night before taking a long trip.  The more the better.
•    Don’t plan on working all day then driving all night
•    Drive at times when you are normally awake.
•    Avoid driving at “sleepy times” of the day.  Take a middy break for a short nap and find a place to sleep between midnight and dawn.
•    Avoid foods that are high in carbohydrates, they can make a person sleepy.  Opt for foods with high protein levels.
•    Avoid medications that make you sleepy such as cold and flu medications.
•    When driving long trips keep an awake passenger in the front seat with you.  A loud radio is no substitute for actual conversation.
•    Take a break every two hours or so even if you feel you don’t need it.  Get out of the car and take deep breaths and maybe some stretching exercises.
•    Try to set a limit of 300 to 400 miles a day.

No matter how a person is impaired an impaired driver can make mistakes that can cause severe injury or death to the driver, passengers and even strangers.  Always be aware of how you feel and be responsible for your actions. Taking precautions to avoid an automobile accident by not being a fatigued driver may save your life.

For more information on Louisville, Kentucky attorney Mike Schafer go to www.mikeschaferlaw.com.