Avoid Needing a Car Accident Attorney by Staying Awake on Long Road Trips
When taking long road trips, you may find yourself wanting to get to your destination as fast as you can; however, this strategy can cause you a lot of trouble. It not only pushes you too close to (or even above) the speed limit but also forces you to travel for a long time without rest. Sleep deprivation can cause accidents and serious injuries. As car accident attorneys, we have seen too many collisions occur because a driver fell asleep on the road.
If another driver hits you because they fell asleep, you should contact a car accident attorney. You should not pay for any damages when the other person could not stay awake on the road. If you fall asleep on the road, however, you can pay dearly with your life. If you have a long way to travel this summer and worry about falling asleep, read on for some safety tips for staying awake when driving by yourself.
Don’t Hit the Road When You Are Sleepy
It seems like a no-brainer, but many people drive long into the night, get minimal sleep, and get back to driving again early in the morning in order to get to their destination quicker. The exhaustion of driving for long hours, the endlessly similar view from the window, and the low, calming hum of your tires already do enough to lull you to sleep. Don’t tempt yourself by beginning the drive tired.
Pull Over and Nap
Aside from a full night of sleep, nothing helps you stay awake and alert like a power nap. If you begin to feel tired, don’t risk it. You don’t want to be liable for anyone’s totaled car or injuries. Take a car accident attorney’s advice and pull over to the side of the road. Even twenty or thirty minutes will help your body gain some crucial energy.
Eat Healthy & Snack Often
You will see signs for all of your favorite fast food joints, but you should avoid them. Instead of ordering greasy hamburgers or syrup-slathered waffles, you should try to eat a healthy and balanced meal. Fruits and vegetables will keep you going longer. Fatty and sugary foods will give you an initial boost, but you will crash soon after and become even more tired than before you ate. When snacking, avoid your favorite candy bar and head for healthier options. Munching on nuts, sunflower seeds, fruit, and other healthy snacks as you drive will give you small continuous boosts of energy.
Mix Up Your Listening Material
Listening to your favorite songs a little loud and singing along can keep away sleepiness, but you can’t just have your favorite songs on repeat. Road trips are a great time to try out some of those bands your friends keep telling you about or to listen to an engaging book on tape. Podcasts, new music, and audio books provide great options for mixing things up and helping your mind stay alert and engaged.
Your Local Car Accident Attorney Works for You
You can use these tips to stay awake, but not all drivers will be so diligent. If you find yourself the victim of another driver’s recklessness, do not hesitate to contact a car accident attorney from Tolbert Beadle, LLC. Our car accident attorneys work with you to get you the compensation you need.
