(INDIANAPOLIS) - Indiana drivers are being urged to take fatigue seriously after new data ranked the state 20th nationwide for deaths linked to drowsy driving.
Edward A. Smith, managing attorney at AutoAccident.com, says fatigue-related crashes are often preventable but remain a major safety concern, especially on rural highways and long-distance routes.
Smith warns drivers to watch for common signs of drowsiness, including frequent yawning, trouble keeping eyes open, drifting between lanes, or missing exits. If those symptoms appear, he says drivers should pull over and rest as soon as possible.
Quick fixes like caffeine, loud music, or rolling down windows only provide temporary alertness. Smith says the only reliable solution is proper sleep.
He also advises drivers to check prescription and over-the-counter medications for drowsiness warnings and avoid driving if those side effects are present. Taking a 20-minute power nap during long trips can significantly improve alertness, and adults should aim for seven to nine hours of sleep before getting behind the wheel.
"No destination is worth risking your life or the lives of others," Smith said, stressing that drowsy driving can be just as dangerous as driving impaired.