Distracted driving and drunk driving are the most common causes of fatal car crashes. However, statistics show that drivers who are fatigued or impaired drive one in six fatalities. It is difficult to prove someone was asleep at the time of an accident, unlike drunk driving, which can be easily tested.
Public awareness campaigns have been popping up over the years to warn about the dangers of drowsy driving. This campaign by ThaiHealth’s “Don’t Drive Sleepy Project,” does an excellent job of capturing the dangers associated with drowsy driving using an alarmingly clever visual.
It is up to each driver to make safe decisions and not to operate a vehicle if they are unsure about their ability to stay alert and focused. These quick tips will help drivers stay safe and decrease the chance of inadvertently causing injury to another driver.
1: If in doubt, take the road
You shouldn’t drive if you have to turn the music up and the windows down. You should take a break, and then get back on the road as soon possible.
2 Know the warning signs
You might feel too tired to drive safely if you drift out of your lane, lose your focus, or tailgate inadvertently. If you are accompanied by a passenger, get off the road and ask them if they would be willing to drive for a bit.
3) Use public transport
Are you too tired to drive? Instead, take public transport. It is cheap, safe, and you can get some rest while getting to your destination.
4) Designate a driver, or drive in shifts
You might consider hiring someone to drive you if you are sure you will be tired. Driving in shifts on long road trips is much safer than driving for hours at a time when you feel tired.
5) Please take drug warnings very seriously
There is a reason why some medications don’t allow you to operate heavy machinery or drive. It’s because your normal fully capable self won’t be there. These warnings should be taken seriously. If in doubt, do not drive.
Summarized from an article by GJEL Accident Attorneys.
