Best ways to prevent drowsy driving on long trips
Feeling tired behind the wheel is something we can all relate to. Most drivers have felt heavy eyelids and struggled to stay awake at some point in their lives.
Some people are more prone to drowsy driving than others. These people usually include commercial truck drivers, business travelers, night-shift workers, parents of young children, people who take sedative medications, and people with undiagnosed and untreated sleep disorders.
For everyone else, drowsy driving can happen after a night of inadequate sleep or a long driving trip. One study that was conducted in 2000 found that staying awake for 17-19 hours within any given night can have a similar effect to driving with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.05 percent.
A BAC of 0.05 percent is considered “buzzed driving.” Think about how of great of a chance buzzed drivers have of being involved in a crash in comparison to sober drivers. The likelihood of being involved in a crash is also high among drivers who don’t get enough sleep.
Long-term drowsy driving safety tips
Lack of sleep can be especially problematic when embarking on a long driving trip. BMW’s Changing Lanes podcast discusses the factors that can lead to drowsy driving and the many ways it can be prevented on long driving trips.
Here are some long-term prevention tips shared on the podcast:
- Be sure to get the recommended 7-9 hours of sleep before driving on a long trip.
- Be aware of the warning signs of drowsy driving. These often include frequent yawning, frequent blinking, heavy eyelids, poor concentration, wandering thoughts, memory loss, restlessness and difficulty staying within the lines of the road.
- Take 20-minute naps every four hours in a parking lot or rest stop.
- Avoid driving between 2-5 a.m. and between 1-3 p.m., when the body is naturally programmed to sleep.
- Take frequent breaks by getting out, walking around and getting fresh air.
- Avoid driving on an empty stomach or after eating too much.
- Stay hydrated by drinking adequate amounts of water.
- Avoid drinking alcohol before or during a long trip, as this can induce drowsiness.
- Listen to music or have a conversation with a passenger to stay mentally active.
- Avoid taking certain medications that can cause drowsiness before a long trip.
Short-term fixes to stay awake
For drivers who may be experiencing drowsiness, but only need to stay awake for a short amount of time, the podcast offers these short-term fixes:
- Consume sugar or caffeine for a temporary energy boost, but never rely on this method to stay awake.
- Roll down the window for a short boost of oxygen, which can temporarily increase alertness.
- Chew on gum to temporarily increase blood flow to the brain.
- Listen to loud music to stay mentally engaged temporarily.
What should I do if I was injured in a drowsy driving car accident?
If you were hurt in a drowsy driving crash, you may be overwhelmed with high medical bills. In addition, you may be dealing with the emotional and financial devastation of not being able to work or engage in certain activities.
That’s why it’s important that you speak to an experienced Texas car accident attorney who can help you rebuild your life after a crash. Smith & Hassler Attorneys At Law can fight to help you recover all economic and non-economic damages owed to you. We have been serving crash victims in the Houston area since 1989. To schedule your free case evaluation, contact our law firm online.