If you were involved in a car accident caused by a fatigued driver, you should contact an experienced car accident attorney in Atlanta, GA.

Fatigued driving is one of the most common causes of car accidents. When a driver is very tired, he or she won’t be able to focus on the road ahead and may even fall asleep behind the wheel. Whether the fatigue is caused by lack of sleep or too many hours at work, it can put everyone on the road at risk. Here are some ways you can avoid driver fatigue:

 

Get Adequate Rest

The easiest way to avoid driver fatigue is to get at least eight hours of sleep every night. When you get enough sleep, you can wake up refreshed and full of energy. However, if you only get a few hours of sleep, you are more likely to be drowsy and have trouble concentrating, which can negatively affect your driving. To make it easier to fall asleep, avoid caffeinated beverages in the evening and try to do a relaxing activity before bedtime.

 

Watch What You Eat

Believe it or not, the foods you eat can have a big impact on your energy levels. Fatty and fried foods, for example, can make you feel pretty sluggish. Try to avoid eating those kinds of foods before you are about to drive. Instead, eat foods like, chicken, fish, fruits, vegetables and whole grains. These foods will give you enough energy and help you feel your best.

 

Don’t Take Medications That Cause Drowsiness

There are certain medications that can increase drowsiness, such as allergy medications and cold medicines. You shouldn’t take any of these medications before you get behind the wheel. If you must takes these medications and have to get somewhere, have someone else drive you.

 

Know the Signs of Drowsiness

It’s important to be able to recognize the signs of fatigue. If you are yawning excessively, have blurry vision or are having trouble keeping your head up, you are drowsy. If you are behind the wheel when you start to feel drowsy, try to pull over to a safe spot and take a short nap.

 

Stay Hydrated

Instead of drinking coffee, sip on water throughout the day. Water will help you avoid dehydration, which can lead to fatigue. Remember to keep a water bottle in your vehicle so that you can always get a sip of water when you’re thirsty.

 

Travel With Someone During Long Distance Drives

If you ever have to drive several hours in one day, it’s always a good idea to ask a friend or family member to go along with you. Driving for long periods of time can make just about anyone tired. If you start to feel tired while behind the wheel, you can have your family member or friend drive for a while.

 

If you were involved in a car accident caused by a fatigued driver, you have the right to file an accident claim. An experienced car accident attorney Dekalb County, GA trusts can discuss your case with your in detail and help you file a timely claim.

 


 

Thank you to our friends and contributors at Andrew R. Lynch, P.C. for their insight into personal injury and fatigue.