There are lots of reasons why drivers might get caught up in car accidents. From being distracted by a passenger to texting behind the wheel, to encountering the human error of another road user, many scenarios can result in serious, possibly fatal incidents involving vehicles.

Sleep deprivation is one of the most common yet least talked-about issues at the root of crashes on the road. Luckily you can do your bit to minimize risks and preserve your safety and also cope with the aftermath of an event involving a sleep-deprived driver.

If You’re Injured By A Driver Who Fell Asleep At The Wheel, Consult A Local Attorney

First of all, if you’re the victim of a crash that was the result of another motorist having their driving abilities hampered by sleep deprivation, you could be in line for compensation.

It’s best to work with a legal professional who is based in your area, as they’ll be up to speed with your rights, and the best way to seek remuneration for the trauma you’ve suffered. So for instance, if you’re a Florida resident, getting in touch with Car Accident Lawyers in Miami is sensible.

If You’re Over-Tired, Don’t Drive

Put simply, it’s irresponsible to take charge of a motor vehicle if you have not had enough sleep. This isn’t just about looking after yourself, but also recognizing that mistakes you make through sleep deprivation will put others in danger.

Should you have a long journey ahead of you in this scenario, and others will be sharing the car with you, see if another member of your party is willing to do the driving in your place. Also, make sure that your insurance is adequate if you do take this route.

Get Plenty Of Rest Prior To Road Trips

There are lots of ways to get a good night’s sleep, and you should aim to implement as many strategies as you need in the evening before a long-distance trek by road.

Don’t burn the midnight oil or spend hours scrolling through social media on your phone. Instead, get to bed early and give yourself plenty of time to rest up before you need to hit the road.

Take Breaks

Even if you are well-rested, the act of driving can be soporific in its own right, which basically means that the longer you are behind the wheel, the more the motion and noise of the vehicle will put you into a drowsy state.

This is why taking regular breaks throughout the course of your journey is important. Pull into a rest area every couple of hours, get out of your car, stretch your legs, have a drink and a snack, use the restroom, and generally switch things up to prevent fatigue from setting in.

Split Longer Journeys Into Smaller Segments

Sleep deprivation can creep in if you intend to drive over an extended distance all in one go. And while you may find the idea of driving day and night to be exciting or romantic, the reality is that it will leave you incredibly over-tired and not in a fit state to drive safely.

It’s more sensible and more fun to divide your trip up and plan an overnight stop-off or two along the way. You’ll see new places, liven up your road trip, explore new regions, and have more of an adventure, as well as be a responsible motorist.

So there you have it; sleep deprivation shouldn’t be an issue so long as you don’t let it have free rein over your automotive activities.