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Keeping clear of fatigue on the road

Drivers in Oklahoma are probably when they are drowsy behind the wheel. They will have droopy eyelids, yawn constantly, drift out of their lane and perhaps even forget what the last few miles were like. If they do nothing about this, then they only raise their risk for a crash. A AAA study from 2018 states that 9.5% of all accidents are caused by drowsy drivers.

Avoiding drowsiness begins with getting at least seven hours of sleep. Those who take certain drugs, such as muscle relaxers, antihistamines and antidepressants, may want their doctor to time their doses with their commutes in mind. Next, there is the danger that comes with having obstructive sleep apnea. Symptoms include drowsiness even after adequate sleep, continual snoring and frequent waking up during the night.

For long drives where drowsiness is unavoidable, it’s good to have a companion since he or she can keep the driver alert through conversation and even take over behind the wheel. If one is alone, then pulling over for a 20-minute nap is recommended when the signs of drowsiness are present.

At least 150 milligrams of caffeine can keep one alert. For the sake of reference, a 12-ounce coffee has 142 milligrams. However, driving with the windows open and making the radio loud do nothing to avert drowsiness.

Drowsy driving is an underreported phenomenon, but when there is clear evidence that it led to a car accident, the victims may think about filing a personal injury claim. The process can be complicated, so victims might want a lawyer to assess their case. If retained, the lawyer may hire investigators to strengthen it with the necessary evidence, and medical experts might come in to measure the extent of the injuries. The lawyer may negotiate for a fair settlement.