 |
The
Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recently released its findings on
sleepy drivers stating that over 4 percent of 150,000 people surveyed
admitted to falling asleep at the wheel at least once in the past 30
days. Studies have also shown an estimated one-third of fatal vehicle
related accidents may have involved drivers that had dozed off while
driving.
Based
on my own research of cases from a Pennsylvania
Reading personal injury lawyer, it’s definitely
clear that nodding off in the driver’s seat is extremely dangerous,
and the following tips may help you stay alert and in
control.
Vehicle Detection Systems
With the advances in today’s technology, consumers live in an age where they can now place driver drowsiness alert systems in most moving vehicles. The Volvo’s driver alert control (DAC) assesses the car’s movements to detect for uncontrolled maneuvers and issues an audible warning signal, message on the instrument cluster and warning light telling the driver to pull over for coffee and a nap. Ford has a three alarm system that includes a vibrating steering wheel, an active nudge to correct the vehicle toward the middle of the lane and an audible signal to alert the driver.
Chat with a Passenger in the Vehicle
If you’re not making the trip alone, and you start to get tired, engage the passengers in the vehicle in conversation. Political discussions can be animated and engaging, especially when both parties disagree on the candidate. While you don’t want to cause a heated argument with you, and your loved ones, stimulating conversation will keep you alert and focused.
Talk to Yourself
If you’re making the trip alone, and you don’t have anyone to converse with, you can have a conversation with yourself. Begin by telling yourself a story about something that happened to you or you wish would happen. Tell the tale as if you were telling it to another person and get as detailed as possible to help alleviate your drowsiness.
Vehicle Detection Systems
With the advances in today’s technology, consumers live in an age where they can now place driver drowsiness alert systems in most moving vehicles. The Volvo’s driver alert control (DAC) assesses the car’s movements to detect for uncontrolled maneuvers and issues an audible warning signal, message on the instrument cluster and warning light telling the driver to pull over for coffee and a nap. Ford has a three alarm system that includes a vibrating steering wheel, an active nudge to correct the vehicle toward the middle of the lane and an audible signal to alert the driver.
Chat with a Passenger in the Vehicle
If you’re not making the trip alone, and you start to get tired, engage the passengers in the vehicle in conversation. Political discussions can be animated and engaging, especially when both parties disagree on the candidate. While you don’t want to cause a heated argument with you, and your loved ones, stimulating conversation will keep you alert and focused.
Talk to Yourself
If you’re making the trip alone, and you don’t have anyone to converse with, you can have a conversation with yourself. Begin by telling yourself a story about something that happened to you or you wish would happen. Tell the tale as if you were telling it to another person and get as detailed as possible to help alleviate your drowsiness.
Sing
Whether making a long or short trip to your destination, if you begin to feel sleepy, try turning on the radio and belting out a song. Singing is an excellent way to keep your brain active and alert while driving.
Count or Do Math
You can keep your mind focused on the road by counting things or doing math. Billboards, cars and road signs are all objects that can easily be counted. You can also stay alert by solving math problems or reciting prime numbers out loud.
Drive During the Day
The mind is programmed to unwind and get sleepy as the daylight hours begin to fade. Whenever it’s possible, you can help your body to stay alert by driving during the daytime.
Take a Break
When you’ve tried everything you could possibly think of to prevent yourself from getting sleepy behind the wheel, pull over and take a break. A quick nap or a cup of coffee will do you wonders and keep you refreshed for the long journey ahead.
Driving is already a scary task on its own, and research has shown that a few moments of drowsiness can be just as deadly as drinking while intoxicated. If you find yourself sleepy behind the wheel, try using these simple tips to keep your eyes open and focused on the road.
Whether making a long or short trip to your destination, if you begin to feel sleepy, try turning on the radio and belting out a song. Singing is an excellent way to keep your brain active and alert while driving.
Count or Do Math
You can keep your mind focused on the road by counting things or doing math. Billboards, cars and road signs are all objects that can easily be counted. You can also stay alert by solving math problems or reciting prime numbers out loud.
Drive During the Day
The mind is programmed to unwind and get sleepy as the daylight hours begin to fade. Whenever it’s possible, you can help your body to stay alert by driving during the daytime.
Take a Break
When you’ve tried everything you could possibly think of to prevent yourself from getting sleepy behind the wheel, pull over and take a break. A quick nap or a cup of coffee will do you wonders and keep you refreshed for the long journey ahead.
Driving is already a scary task on its own, and research has shown that a few moments of drowsiness can be just as deadly as drinking while intoxicated. If you find yourself sleepy behind the wheel, try using these simple tips to keep your eyes open and focused on the road.
Shelby
Warden is a legal researcher that pays particular attention to safety
laws. The skilled Reading
personal injury lawyer
team at McMahon, McMahon & Lentz in Pennsylvania will fight to
get you the compensation you deserve if you have been injured due to
the actions of a another driver.