Each year, fatigued drivers are responsible for causing 100,000 motor vehicle crashes. The most obvious way to avoid causing a car accident due to being drowsy is to get plenty of sleep prior to hitting the road.
But what other steps might help keep motorists from experiencing fatigue while driving? The National Sleep Foundation makes the following recommendations for drivers:
- Avoid using drugs or alcohol. Alcohol can actually increase the effects of fatigue.
- Make stops every two hours or 100 miles.
- On long trips, travel with a companion. It is helpful to have another person on board to share the driving chores. Passengers can also watch drivers for signs of fatigue.
- Drivers who frequently have trouble sleeping at night, or are often sleepy during the day, may want to have these symptoms diagnosed by a physician or at a sleep disorder center.
Adhering to these recommendations could prove very beneficial. However, you can only control your own actions. Others on the road may forgo taking the precautions necessary to avoid driving while fatigued.
Fatigued drivers pose a very real threat to others on the road. Accidents caused by their negligence can leave victims with serious injuries. Medical expenses for treating such injuries can be very costly.
In auto accident cases, it is extremely important to determine who is liable. If you are ever injured in an auto accident, you will likely need compensation to help cover your expenses for damages, treatment and rehabilitation.
A Texas personal injury attorney could carry out a thorough investigation of your accident to determine liability. The information collected from the investigation may help you get the compensation you are due.