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How to handle drowsy driving

by | Aug 31, 2020 | Car Accidents

Many drivers may think nothing of spending long hours on the road. If people are on the road for too long, though, they may get tired.

Drowsy driving can cause people to get into accidents. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, drowsy driving resulted in the deaths of 795 people in 2017. Many of these crashes occur late in the afternoon or after midnight, when people may be more likely to feel tired.

What are the signs of tiredness?

There are many signs that drivers are too tired to be on the road. According to the American Academy of Sleep Medicine, people may be sleepy drivers if they drift in and out of their lane. Frequent yawning and nodding off also indicate that people are drowsy. Additionally, people may miss turns and road signs or realize they cannot remember driving for the past few minutes.

How can people avoid drowsy driving?

One of the best ways to prevent drowsy driving is to get enough sleep. People should make sure they sleep for seven or eight hours before they get behind the wheel. Additionally, people should share driving duties if they have passengers. This can help all of them get enough rest on long trips. People may also want to avoid driving at night by themselves. If people work late at night, they may want to have someone pick them up if they are too tired to drive.

Some people may want to drink a caffeinated beverage if they get tired while driving alone. This can help give them the extra boost they need to get home safely. Short naps may also help drivers feel more rested.