Drowsy driving is a significant issue on the road. According to a recent survey by the National Sleep Foundation, approximately 20% of all motor vehicle accidents are related to drowsy driving. In fact, the study found that in their first two years of driving, 1 in 6 teens alone have already driven while drowsy.

This article will discuss the risks associated with fatigued driving and ten tips to reduce fatigued driving. Should you have any questions for our car accident lawyers, please don’t hesitate to call our office at (803) 888-2200.

Impact Driver Fatigue Has on Driving

Before going into how you can help eliminate driving fatigue, it’s important to understand the dangerous impact that drowsiness has on our bodies and our ability to safely drive a vehicle. 

Driving drowsy is similar to the effects of driving while under the influence. In fact, it is said that driving after going more than 20 hours without sleep is the equivalent of driving with a BAC of 0.08%.

Drowsiness can impact a driver’s:

  • Reaction Time: Drowsy driving can slow down your thought process and reaction time, increasing your risk of being involved in an accident.
  • Vision: Drowsiness can affect your vision and judgment.
  • Senses: Such as hearing and touch, which are important while driving.
  • And more.

Tips to Reduce Driving Fatigue 

Here are some top tips to help lower your risk of driver fatigue.

1. Get enough sleep.

Get enough sleep the night before a long drive to help keep you awake and alert throughout the duration of the drive. Try to go to bed earlier or sleep in later if your schedule allows.

2. Listen to talk radio or podcasts.

This may come as a surprise, but music actually has the ability to lull people into becoming tired. You are more likely to stay engaged if you are following a conversation. So, opt for podcasts or talk shows over music.

3. Stay hydrated.

Dehydration can actually cause fatigue and dizziness. Make sure you are drinking enough water during the drive.

4. Try avoiding cruise control.

Cruise control can quickly make a tired driver even more drowsy. Keep your body moving by using the gas and breaks.

5. Use the buddy system.

If you’re able to, take long trips with a friend or family member. This allows you to split up long drives into more manageable chunks, keep each other engaged, and keep the energy levels high.

6.  Maintain a healthy diet.

While on the road, it’s important that you don’t skip meals, as hunger can lead to fatigue. Pack some healthy snacks for the ride, or grab some when you stop for gas.

7. Roll down the window.

Sometimes, all you need for a quick energy boost is some fresh air. 

8. Start trips as early in the day as possible.

Try to start your drives early in the morning and avoid long, dark nighttime drives.

9. Recognize the signs of drowsiness.

If you notice that you are frequently yawning, have burning or heavy eyes, muscle twitching, disconnected thoughts, and/or your vision starts blurring, you should consider…

10. Pulling over and taking a break.

If you’re really struggling to remain alert and awake, it’s probably a good idea to pull over somewhere safe and take a break. Pull over, stretch, and even take a nap if you need to. 

It’s important to remember that while these tips can help, you should not rely on them to keep you awake. If you are struggling to remain awake and alert, it’s in your best interest to pull over and regroup in order to keep you and others on the road safe.

About Cavanaugh & Thickens, LLC

The car accident lawyers at Cavanaugh & Thickens, LLC have decades of combined experience handling personal injury cases throughout the state of South Carolina. If you or a loved one has been injured in a car accident, please contact our office today for a complimentary case evaluation. With offices in Columbia and Charleston, our team handles cases throughout the state and works on a contingency fee basis, meaning no up-front or out-of-pocket fees.