Media post: Drowsy driving: How to avoid falling asleep

Driving is a daily necessity for millions of people all around the world. However, feeling fatigued behind the wheel can turn a mundane task into a deadly situation. Not just for you, but all the people on the road around you too. Drowsy driving is an underestimated but major danger on the road, causing thousands of accidents each year. But it’s totally preventable. So let’s take a closer look at drowsy driving, how to recognize it, avoid it and understand the impact it can have.

The danger of drowsy driving

Drowsy driving can impact your reaction time, attention span and even your ability to make a decision. In fact, it can have a similar influence to alcohol, especially if you have been awake for long periods of time.

But still, many drivers underestimate just how dangerous sleepiness can be. Particularly on long trips, during night driving or after a long day. Some of the warning signs that you’re too tired to drive include:

– Frequent yawning or blinking

– Trouble keeping your eyes open

– Drifting from your lane

– Missing exits or road signs

– Difficulty remembering the law few miles

If you notice any of these symptoms, it’s really important to make sure you’re taking immediate action to avoid an accident.

How to avoid falling asleep

The best defense against falling asleep while driving is a good night’s sleep. Most adults need around 7-9 hours of sleep each night. So if you’re planning a road trip or a long commute, then it’s important that you’re prioritizing rest the night before. This is your best option, but some other tips include:

– Avoid driving during sleepy hours: Typically, there are times during the 24 hours of the day when you’re naturally more drowsy. You should try to avoid driving at these times if possible.

– Take regular breaks: As a general rule, you should take a break every two hours or every 100 miles on longer trips. During this time, you should get out of the car, move your body, use the restroom and grab a snack to refresh yourself.

– Share the driving if possible: If you’re driving with another licensed driver, if possible, you should take turns behind the wheel. Switching every couple of hours will help you both avoid burnout.

– Have strategic naps: If you feel sleepy, you should pull over in a safe area and take a short nap. 20 minutes is often enough to restore alertness.

– Stay hydrated and eat light: Dehydration and heavy meals can contribute to fatigue. Drink plenty of water and eat light, energizing snacks like fruit, nuts or granola bars instead of greasy or sugary foods.

– Listen to stimulating audio: Engaging music, podcasts or audiobooks can help to keep your brain active. Monotonous or relaxing audio could lull you to sleep.

– Don’t rely on “stay awake” tricks: Turning up the radio, opening your windows or blasting cold air might make you feel alert, but only for a temporary amount of time. These tricks are not substitutes for sleep. If you’re too tired to drive, then there’s nothing that can truly counteract the effects.

The hidden costs of drowsy driving

Even a minor accident that’s caused by drowsy driving can lead to significant consequences (financially, physically and legally). It’s not just about your insurance rates going up or potential legal penalties. It can also affect your car’s value. When your car is damaged in a crash, even if it’s repaired, its resale or trade-in value could drop. This is where a diminished value claim comes into play.

A diminished value claim allows you to seek compensation for the loss in market value of your vehicle after it’s been involved in an accident. Buyers will often view a vehicle that has been previously damaged as less desirable, regardless of how well it has been prepared. If someone else was at fault in a crash caused by drowsy driving, you may be eligible to file this claim through their insurance.

In a case where you were at fault, like if you fell asleep at the wheel, your ability to file a diminished value claim would depend on your own insurance coverage as well as the local law.

All in all, drowsy driving is a serious, but preventable hazard that endangers everyone on the road. There is no destination that is worth risking your life or someone else’s. So it’s essential to be able to recognize the signs of fatigue and take proactive steps to stay alert and protect yourself and others from harm.

It’s also important to understand the broader impacts of drowsy driving too. Resting before you drive doesn’t just keep you awake, it keeps your future on track. So if you suspect that you might be too tired to drive and it could affect your ability, then don’t drive. Your safety and everyone else around you depend on it.