How to Avoid Dozing Off When Driving

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, about 100,000 of police-reported car crashes are a result of fatigue each year.

Did you know that “Multi-million dollar settlements have been awarded to families of crash victims as a result of lawsuits filed against individuals as well as businesses whose employees were involved in drowsy driving crashes.”

A sleep deprived motorist qualifies as a reckless driver, which means that they can be convicted of a vehicular homicide.

Before driving:

Get plenty of sleep. Most adults require seven to nine hours of sleep a night.

Avoid alcohol and sedating medications. If you need more clarification, please ask a doctor.

Don’t eat a large, heavy meal before driving.

If you are falling asleep while driving:

Pull over at a stop or on the side of the road to take a nap or walk around until you feel more alert.

Drink a beverage with caffeine.

On road trips:

Make sure to take enough brakes to give your eyes a break. For every 100 miles or two hours of driving, try to take at least one break.

Try to have a companion to talk to and to share the driving with.

Do not plan to drive for long periods of time past the time you you are usually go to sleep.

Drive safely!

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