Holidays and traveling go hand-in-hand because many reunite with family and friends with their time off from work. While some people love long-distance driving, others aren’t fond of staying in the car for so long.
Regardless of one’s disposition towards travel, one thing is for sure, traveling long distances can lead to drowsy driving accidents. However, drowsy driving prevention is possible, so here are three tips readers can use to stay alert and get to their destinations safely.
Don’t Buy into Cheap Tricks
While many people say you can prevent drowsy driving by cracking a window or turning up the tunes, the reality is that nothing can replace your sleep. Trying to push through your body’s call to rest could result in a severe accident.
Therefore, if you are nodding off at the wheel, the best thing to do is pull over and take a nap.
However, if you don’t have time to sleep and must keep going, these two things can help.
Caffeine Boost
Caffeine can make drivers more alert temporarily; however, there are two downsides to caffeine. First, high doses of caffeine do wonders for energizing short-term but can lead to severe crashes later on. Therefore, caffeine is only beneficial if the destination is within reach.
Second, some people regularly drink so much caffeine that they are practically impervious to its effects. Therefore, a caffeine fix isn’t a fix for everyone.
Follow Your Circadian Rhythm
Our bodies follow circadian rhythms, which means they function on 24-hour cycles. Therefore, if you work during the day and sleep at night, it’s wise to leave early in the morning and drive through the day: the time you would usually be awake.
However, if you work at night and sleep during the day, then it’s wise to leave in the early evening and to drive through the night: the time you would usually be awake.
Injured in an Accident?
Even when well-rested, accidents happen. If you or a loved one is injured in a car accident due to another driver’s negligence, The Stewart Law Firm can help.
Call (512)271-5112 now for a free consultation for your auto accident case.
