Auto accidents can lead to serious injuries, often causing long-term disabilities and fatal medical conditions. Many auto accidents are caused by distracted driving, substance use, aggression and negligence. Drowsiness is also a common cause of auto accidents.
While it is hard to predict how many auto accidents are caused by drowsy driving, it is estimated that nearly 100,000 people are injured each year. Most drowsy driving accidents happen between midnight and dawn, but they can still happen at any time of the day. People often become drowsy after working long hours, traveling on vacations or experiencing poor sleep.
There are several methods drivers may use to combat drowsiness. Here is how:
How do drivers combat drowsiness?
Drowsiness is an issue that most people experience. Keeping to a sleep schedule and getting the recommended number of hours of sleep each night is one of the best ways to combat drowsiness. Many doctors suggest that people get around seven to eight hours of sleep each night.
People who have been driving long distances can experience drowsiness from fixing their focus on the road for a long time. Drivers can combat drowsiness by taking frequent rests. Moving around at rest stops or taking short naps can rejuvenate drivers.
Some medications can lead to drowsiness. It is important for drivers to know what kind of side effects their medication can have.
Coffee and energy drinks can provide drivers with bursts of focus. These types of drinks can block sleep-promoting receptors. However, this effect often only lasts for a short while. Drivers may begin to feel drowsy within an hour after consuming coffee. Drivers may also feel sleep-deprived once the effects of coffee wear off.
These solutions to drowsiness are often only temporary. Drivers can still cause serious auto accidents because of drowsiness. Legal guidance is available for victims of auto accidents.