Drunk driving is one of the top contenders for causes of auto accidents. There’s clear evidence behind why drunk driving is so dangerous; alcohol reduces necessary brain function for safe driving, such as impairing vision, reducing motor control and impacting judgment. The end of the year often sees a spike in drunk driving accidents as people get into the spirit of the holiday.
You may not be someone who drinks or would be seen driving after consuming alcohol. However, that doesn’t mean you can’t be in an accident. Second to drunk driving is drowsy driving. Drowsiness may be just as dangerous as drunk driving because the lack of sleep has similar effects. Worse still, drowsiness can come on suddenly and at the worst times.
If you’re planning on doing some driving this winter, you may need to make sure drowsiness doesn’t ruin your cheer. Here are a few things to keep in mind:
1. Get adequate sleep
One of the biggest ways to combat drowsy driving is to get enough sleep. The average person needs about eight hours of sleep – give or take – to feel fully rested. If you didn’t sleep well the previous night, you may need to take a short nap before getting on the road.
2. Plan around your sleep schedule
Many people get naturally sleepy around the same time each day. If you’re planning on driving late at night and around the time you typically go to sleep, you may need to consider getting some sleep early.
3. Combat sleepiness
Sometimes you can’t predict when you’re going to get sleepy. There are a few ways to combat sleepiness. For example, coffee and tea can provide people with a temporary boost in focus. Or, you might turn on the radio and roll down the windows.
You know your body better than anyone. But, another driver could fall asleep behind the wheel and ruin your holiday. If you’re a victim of an auto accident, learning how to get compensation for your injuries and losses could help you.