5 Clever Tricks on How to Avoid Getting Into an Accident If You Have No Other Choice but to Drive After a Sleepless Night

Whether you’ve been working late, out partying, going through a break-up, or just trying to get from A to B, sometimes you need to bite the bullet and drive through the night, even when you’re incredibly tired. Before continuing, always make sure that if you’re tired, your first point of call is to go to sleep. Just pull over and get some rest, even if for just one or two hours.

5 Clever Tricks on How to Avoid Getting Into an Accident If You Have No Other Choice but to Drive After a Sleepless Night [ image: pexels.com ]

However, if you find yourself in a position where you need to drive through the night, then there are some tips to remember that will help keep you awake and therefore minimizing the risk of getting into an accident. This is vital because it’s not just your life on the line. Here are the tips you need to know.

1. Time Your Journey’s Properly

The best way to not fall asleep while driving is to avoid the worst sleepy times. Your body’s natural body clock puts your most tiring hours between 12 am and 6 am, so avoid these where possible, whether that means pulling over and sleeping, getting a motel, and timing and planning your trip to start earlier in the day so you don’t hit this peak time.

2. Drink Stimulants

While you should never drink and drive, some drinks can help, especially if you just have an hour or so to go. Drinking energy drinks, coffee, and the sorts are ideal for giving you that extra boost you need to help you keep going. Remember, never resort to alcohol or drugs to stay awake.

However, if you’re traveling long-distance, more than an hour, remember that these stimulant drinks will have a comedown and crash which can leave you more tired than before. Save this approach for when you really need it.

3. Take the Stop and Start Approach

If you’re traveling far and you need to get to where you need to be, but there’s no way you’ll stay awake, stopping and starting every two hours can be ideal. As the suggests, this means driving two hours, resting, and then repeating. By resting, you can sleep, stretch your legs, get some fresh air, and have a change of scenery to keep your mind active.

If you find yourself in an accident, whether that’s while you’re driving or someone hits you while you’re pulled over, you’re going to need some of the top car accident lawyers at your disposal to ensure you get the compensation you deserve.

4. Have Someone with You

While not always possible, if you have someone riding in the car with you, this can be a great way to stay awake because you can talk to each other and interact. If you feel yourself getting tired, then they can remind you to stay awake. Ideally, they could sleep for a bit, and then you could swap places and let them drive, but make sure your insurance covers you both.

5. Keep the Window Open

Letting the air and the sounds of the open road rush past you and across you is a great way to stay awake, especially if the car is cold and blasting you in the face. It’s refreshing, it keeps you awake, and it ensures you don’t drift off. Hand in hand with this, don’t turn your car’s heater on because it will just make you sleepy. The more uncomfortable and cold you are, the better

Remember, it’s almost always better to not drive if you’re feeling tired, but if you feel you have no other choice and you’re going to drive anyway, then make sure you remember these tips to keep yourself safe, and others on the road.