How Can I Avoid Fatigue-Related Accidents? 5 Tips from a Tyler Personal-Injury Lawyer

Heavy eyelids, constant nodding, persistent yawning – these are all signs that a person is too drowsy to drive safely. In fact, fatigue and alcohol have similar effects on a driver’s performance. According to a 2011 study published in the Journal of Sleep Research, just three hours of nighttime driving can cause the same level of impairment as a BAC of 0.08.

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According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, drowsiness can inhibit your performance behind the wheel by:

• Making it difficult to stay alert;
• Reducing your reaction time; and
• Affecting your decision-making.

If you were injured by a drowsy driver in Texas, turn to the Cooper Law Firm for legal advice. N. Eric Cooper is an accident attorney in Tyler who will help you claim the maximum compensation for health-care expenses, time off work and other damages. If your case goes to trial, Mr. Cooper has the litigation experience to represent your interests in court.

Call 903-297-0037 today to schedule an initial consultation. You can also visit http://car-accident.usattorneys.com/ for more information about car accident injury claims.

5 Ways to Prevent Fatigue-Related Collisions

It’s easy to associate drowsy driving with commercial truckers. After all, CMV drivers spend long hours behind the wheel – often at night during times when they would normally sleep. However, no motorist is immune to the effects of fatigue.

Drowsiness can be a killer on long road trips, but many of these accidents happen on daily commutes. People who are regularly deprived of sleep are at a particularly high risk. Fortunately, there are steps you can take to reduce the likelihood of being injured in a drowsy driving accident:

1. Take Regular Breaks on Long Trips: Taking regular breaks is essential on long drives. You should take a 20-minute break every two hours or 100 miles – whichever comes first.

2. Do Not Overeat before Driving: Consuming a large meal can make you sleepy. Instead, snack on small meals throughout your trip.

3. Know Your Limits: Do not push yourself to drive for an excessive number of hours. This is particularly important if you are travelling overnight at a time when you would normally be asleep.

4. Drink Caffeinated Beverages: Caffeine can keep you energized but only for a short amount of time. Do not rely on caffeinated beverages to keep you alert during a long trip.

5. Stop If Necessary: If you are constantly yawning and nodding, then find a safe place to stop and rest. Falling behind schedule may be inconvenient, but it’s a lot better than causing a car accident.

If you were injured or lost a family member due to a drowsy or distracted driver in Texas, contact the Cooper Law Firm. N. Eric Cooper is an accident attorney in Tyler who will aggressively and compassionately represent your interests.

Mr. Cooper helps clients throughout east Texas, and he will give your case the individual attention that it deserves. Call 903-297-0037 today to schedule an initial consultation.[/fusion_builder_column][/fusion_builder_row][/fusion_builder_container]