Austin: On long trips, drowsiness can be avoided this way

On long trips, you can avoid drowsiness by taking proper precautions to prevent accidents. Unfortunately, many people crash when they fall asleep while driving.

Pedro, a migrant from Honduras in Austin who worked as a truck driver, was making long trips between cities. One day, after several hours without a break, he began to feel drowsy while driving on a highway.

Despite trying to continue, he lost control of the truck and suffered a serious accident. Although he survived, the after-effects of the accident affected his health and left him unable to work.

Fortunately, with the help of his cousin, he sought legal help. With the support of a specialized lawyer, he managed to obtain the necessary compensation to cover his medical expenses, get his life back to normal and start over.

Her story is a reminder of how crucial it is to avoid drowsiness on long journeys and the importance of having the right legal support to overcome difficulties after an accident.

In this blog, the team at Abogado Dang – Accident Lawyer, offers you practical tips and techniques to avoid fatigue on long trips, helping you to ensure your safety and that of others on the road.

Why is it so dangerous to drive while drowsy?

Drowsiness at the wheel is one of the main causes of traffic accidents in the United States, and Latino immigrants are not exempt from this risk. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), driving while fatigued causes up to 90,000 accidents each year and more than 600 deaths.

The causes of fatigue while driving can be varied: from lack of sleep from caring for a newborn baby who wakes up every two hours, to a long or night shift at work, to staying out late with friends or taking a long, monotonous car trip on vacation. Whatever the reason, the negative effects are the same: cognitive impairment, reduced performance, car and work accidents, and even serious health consequences.

Fatigue affects your ability to react, judge and concentrate. This significantly increases your chances of having an accident. In long-distance travel situations, staying awake and alert can be the difference between getting to your destination safely or being involved in a crash.

How to avoid drowsiness on long trips

Avoiding drowsiness on long trips requires careful planning and discipline. Although fatigue is common on extended drives, you can stay alert and drive safely by following these key strategies:

• Get adequate rest before the trip
  It’s essential to start a long trip well rested. The National Sleep Foundation recommends getting 7 to 9 hours of sleep the night before. A good night’s sleep significantly reduces the likelihood of feeling drowsy behind the wheel.
• Make frequent stops.
  Driving for hours without a break increases fatigue. Take a break every two hours or every 100 miles to stretch, walk, and clear your mind. This boosts your energy and prevents body numbness, making the trip more comfortable and safer.
• Avoid alcohol before driving.
  Consuming alcohol, even in small amounts, intensifies the effects of drowsiness. If you plan to drive, it’s best to avoid alcohol altogether.
• Review your medications
  Some medications, both prescription and over-the-counter, can cause drowsiness. Be sure to read labels and, if possible, use public transportation when taking medications that affect your ability to be alert.
• Avoid driving during the sleepiest times of day.
  The sleepiest times of day are usually between midnight and 6 a.m., as well as in the late evening. If you must drive during these times, be alert for signs of fatigue, such as drifting out of your lane or crossing over rumble strips.
• Drink coffee with caution
  Drinking coffee or energy drinks may help you feel more awake, but their effects are temporary. If you start to feel drowsy, drink a cup or two of coffee and then take a short 20-minute nap in a safe place. Drinking coffee right before bed can help you wake up when it starts to take effect.

Remember that the only sure way to avoid the risks of drowsy driving is to make sure you get enough sleep every day. Plan your rest, follow these tips, and always stay alert on the road.

Staying alert on long trips: What to do if you feel drowsy

If at any point during your trip you begin to feel drowsy, it is essential that you take immediate action to prevent an accident. Here are some tips to help you stay awake and alert on long-distance trips:

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• Stop immediately if you feel sleepy
  If you notice your eyes are closing or you are having trouble concentrating, it is best to stop somewhere safe and take a quick nap. Even if you only sleep for 20 to 30 minutes, it may be enough to recharge your energy and continue your journey safely.
• Try a “coffee” nap
  This trick involves drinking a cup of coffee and then taking a short 15- to 20-minute nap. When you wake up, the caffeine will begin to take effect, giving you an extra boost of energy to keep you alert.
• Keep the air fresh.
  Opening a window or adjusting the air conditioning can help you feel more awake. The cool temperature and fresh air can be stimulating and reduce drowsiness.
• Listen to music or audiobooks
  Listening to lively music or interesting audiobooks can keep your mind active and reduce feelings of fatigue. Opt for songs with a fast pace or engaging stories that will keep your attention.

Remember that safety is the most important thing. If you feel drowsy, don’t hesitate to implement these tips to ensure you arrive at your destination safely.

Consequences of driving while fatigued

Driving fatigue is a serious problem. If the necessary precautions are not taken, the consequences can be devastating. Driving while tired is comparable to driving under the influence of alcohol.

According to the NHTSA, being awake for 18 hours straight can impair your reaction time in the same way as having a blood alcohol level of 0.05%. This means your reaction time will be slower, your judgment will be impaired, and your ability to make quick decisions will be limited.

In addition to the immediate dangers, being the victim of an accident caused by driver fatigue can have long-lasting repercussions. Injuries sustained in a car accident can lead to significant medical costs, loss of income, and considerable emotional impact.

In these cases, it is essential to have the proper support of a specialized lawyer to obtain the compensation you deserve.

Getting compensation for a drowsy accident

Long trips are a reality for many Latino immigrants in Austin, but safety must always be a priority. Staying alert and knowing how to prevent drowsiness on long trips is key to avoiding accidents.

Follow these tips to avoid drowsiness during long trips, from getting adequate rest to making frequent stops, to ensure you reach your destination without endangering yourself or others.

If you have ever been the victim of an accident, it is important that you consult with an accident attorney.

An accident attorney can be of great help. They can:

• Evaluate your case: An attorney can review the details of your accident and determine possible legal avenues for claiming compensation.
• Gathering Evidence: Gathering evidence is crucial to supporting your claim. An attorney can help you gather documentation, testimony, and any other information necessary to strengthen your case.
• Negotiating with Insurance Companies: Insurance companies often try to minimize payouts. An experienced attorney can negotiate on your behalf to ensure you receive fair compensation for your injuries and losses.
• Representing you in court: If it is necessary to take your case to court, an attorney can represent you and defend your rights, ensuring that you have the best chance of obtaining a favorable outcome.

At Abogado Dang – Accident Lawyer we are committed to helping you obtain the compensation you deserve. Remember that on long trips you can avoid drowsiness by taking the proper precautions. Contact us today for a free consultation!

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Information verified by lawyer Loc Dang

Loc Dang is a founder and member of our legal team. In this blog, Attorney Dang shares his expertise to guide accident victims.