Drowsy driving is not only dangerous and fatal, but it is one of the most common causes to car accidents that occur everyday. With nearly 40,000 car accidents resulting in injuries because of drowsy driving and almost 1,000 fatal accidents due to driving while tired, drowsy driving has become a widespread issue across the nation. Driving while drowsy is not only putting your insurance rates and vehicle at risk, it is also putting your life and others at risk for disaster. It is essential to follow these tips provided by Brazelton Insurance Group so you can stay safe if you feel that you are drowsy:
Rest accordingly: If you know that you are going to take a road trip, it is crucial to get a proper night’s rest prior to your trip so you are well-rested and ready to drive. In addition, if you feel that you are becoming tired, you should pull over and take a quick nap for twenty minutes to avoid dangerous driving.
Switch off with a friend: While going on a roadtrip, it is wise to have a friend or family member along your side to switch off driving with. This will not only speed up the process of you reaching your destination, it will also ensure you are safe from any potential drowsy driving accidents.
Avoid alcohol: Although it may seem obvious, it is critical to your life and the lives of others on the road to avoid alcohol at all durations of your drive. This will greatly decrease the chance of an accident occurring.
Leave at the right time: A recent study concluded that most drowsy driving accidents occur between midnight to dawn on any given day, which you should take into consideration for when you decide to leave on your road trip.
Be aware: If you have been driving for a long period of time and feel any of the following symptoms, you should pull-over immediately:
– Lane-drifting
– Missing exits
– Frequent eye blinking
– Heavy eyelids
– Yawning
– Daydreaming
– Restfulness
All of these are warning signs that you are driving while drowsy which will not only be put on your record granted by the local police department, but also puts the lives of others and yours at risk.
For more information or any questions regarding how you can stay safe on the road by avoiding drowsy driving, contact us at Brazelton Insurance Group today.