When was the last time you had a truly good night’s sleep? Nothing is better than clocking in a solid eight or nine hours of rest, but doing so every night is out of reach for most people. Unfortunately, Americans do not value their sleep as much as they used to, and as a result, many adults get much less sleep than the recommended daily amount.
According to GALLUP, 40 percent of Americans get less than seven hours of sleep a night. Currently, the average American gets 6.8 hours of sleep daily. Although some individuals may be able to function perfectly fine on this amount of sleep, most healthy adults are at their best when they get between seven and nine hours of sleep a night.
Sleep deprivation can have a serious impact on both your emotional wellbeingand your physical health. It can also affect your balance, coordination, and focus, which is why drowsy driving is so dangerous.
According to the National Sleep Foundation, drowsy drivers cause 100,000 motor vehicle collisions every year. If you were hurt in a crash with a fatigued motorist and you want to pursue compensation, contact The Heilman Law Group.
Our compassionate accident law team will assess your case to determine if you have grounds for a claim. Call 601-914-1025 to schedule a consultation with a car accident attorney in Jackson.
Read on to learn a few tips for staying alert on the road:
- Nap Before You Go
If you did not get a good night’s sleep or if you are simply feeling tired after a long day, take a quick power nap before hitting the road. Set an alarm so you don’t sleep for more than 20 to 30 minutes; otherwise, you will wake up feeling more groggy than you were when you laid down.
- Sip Some Coffee
Caffeine can give you a quick boost if you need a little jolt of energy on the road. Just remember that it takes about 30 minutes for caffeine to hit your system, so if you’re feeling especially tired, pull over to a safe place where you can drink your coffee, then take a quick power nap, and then get back on the road when the effects of the caffeine start to hit.
- Take Turns Driving
If you’re taking a long trip with a friend or relative, take turns behind the wheel. Divide up the trip into two-hour shifts, and nap when you’re not driving.
- Pull over and Rest
If you feel your eyelids getting heavy, it’s time to pull over and rest. Find a safe place to take a power nap. A rest stop or gas station is ideal because you can pick up some energy drinks, too.
- Turn up the Tunes
Rolling down your window and singing along to the radio can prevent you from nodding off behind the wheel. This is only effective if you are mildly tired, though. For moderate to severe drowsiness, you will need to get in a power nap or drink some caffeine in order to combat the effects.
If you sustained injuries in a collision with a drowsy driver, you may be entitled to compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Contact The Heilman Law Group to discuss the circumstances of your case and determine the best way to proceed.
Call 601-914-1025 to schedule a consultation with a Jackson accident law attorney. If you want to learn more about car accident claims in Mississippi, visit USAttorneys.com.
By John Nisbett | Published October 23, 2017 | Posted in Car accident