If you have to drive for a long period and will be alone, you need to be careful as you can easily get sleepy. This is because sitting in one position and only focusing on driving can make you feel relaxed. If this happens, you would cause a wreck and could hurt yourself, as well as other drivers. Below are some ways you can stay alert to help you prevent a driving accident and what you should do if you are in an accident.
How to Stay Alert
Chew
Bring along some gum with you to chew when you start feeling tired. Sour gum can help even more. This works well because you will have to concentrate on chewing which can wake up your mind. If you do not like gum, bring along some crunchy snacks, such as potato chips, raw carrots, or anything else. The sound of the crunch will help keep you alert along with the chewing. If you have a bag of chips, the bag will make a rattling sound when you reach into it as well.
Do Not Drive at Night
According to the National Sleep Foundation, wake homeostasis and a circadian biological clock regulates your sleep. For example, when you wake up in the morning your brain is alert, but when it comes time for you to go to bed your brain starts making you tired. Once this happens, your brain will constantly tell you to go to sleep no matter what you do and as the night goes on you will become sleepier and sleepier. For this reason, never drive during the times you normally sleep, such as from 10:00 pm to 6:00 am.
Use Technology
There is technology that detects drowsiness. This technology uses a camera that measures how many times you start to close your eyes. There is another system that detects the changes in your respiration and heart rate using sensors that are installed in your seatbelt and seat cushions.
There are smartphone apps that you can install also. These apps use both forward and rear facing cameras on your vehicle. These apps assess how often your eyelids start to close and if they do this too often the phone will sound a very loud alarm to make you alert.
If you have to drive at night talk with your doctor. They may be able to prescribe you a stimulant to help keep you awake.
What to Do If You Are in an Accident
If you are not completely sure that you caused the accident, you need to hire a personal injury attorney, especially if you are injured. The personal injury attorney can help determine if you were the cause and work with your insurance company to ensure you are represented properly. The other driver would likely contact a lawyer so your attorney will work with them. Your attorney can help you through the legal process to ensure everything is done correctly. For more information, contact local professionals like Walsh Fewkes Sterba.
