Does insurance cover expenses if I fall asleep at the wheel?

A large proportion of traffic accidents happen because drivers are asleep. at the wheel. And in these cases, a question always arises: can insurance be activated? Follow this article and find out if insurance covers expenses if you fall asleep at the wheel.

Although it is not often discussed, falling asleep at the wheel is one of the main causes of traffic accidents.

And, whenever a case like this happens, a question arises: “Will the insurance cover expenses if I fall asleep at the wheel?”

To answer this question, we will explain better how insurance works in these cases and guide you on how to act in such a case.

We created this article so you can find out whether or not you will have to pay for the expenses yourself even if you have already taken out good insurance.

Image: Getty

Prevention is more important than cure!

First of all, it is worth remembering that it is important to take measures to prevent accidents of this type.

To do this, do not drink or ingest illegal substances, as, in addition to being a crime, it greatly increases the chances of an accident.

This also applies to cases where you take medication that makes you drowsy, as your reflexes will decrease and you can fall asleep anywhere.

Furthermore, it is essential to avoid substances that promise to keep the driver awake if he or she is very tired.

As much as these products work, depending on the person's level of fatigue, they may experience short blackouts, which, even if they only last a few seconds, can be enough to cause major accidents.

Therefore, whenever possible, avoid driving if you are not well rested.

Especially on long trips, it is important to get plenty of rest before driving and always have someone to take turns at the wheel, as your eyes tend to get tired.

But is there auto insurance coverage if I fall asleep at the wheel?

The truth is that insurance covers expenses if you fall asleep at the wheel if you have not consumed any illicit substances or any type of alcoholic beverage.

Therefore, in these cases it is common for the insurance company to request a medical report in order to determine whether or not there was ingestion and/or improper use and to know whether or not the insurance company will cover the expenses.

If the report is negative for any of these items, you will receive coverage as normal.

In this case, in addition to avoiding this, take the preventive measures given above to avoid having to activate your insurance, even if it has coverage.

How to prevent yourself from falling asleep at the wheel?

If you are tired and need to drive, there are some measures that can help prevent you from falling asleep at the wheel, without having to use any type of substance that is harmful to your health or prohibited.

Follow along and see what they are:

• No alcoholic beverages: alcoholic beverages and illicit substances alter vision, reflexes and all organic functions, so if you are already tired, avoid them, even if it is just one glass;
• Go travel? So sleep before: if you are going to be on the road for more than three hours, try to get a good night's sleep, with at least 8 hours of rest;
• Avoid driving after meals: It is common for people to feel sleepy after meals. This happens especially if the meal was heavy, rich in proteins and carbohydrates. So if you need to eat and drive right after, have a lighter meal;
• Get comfortable behind the wheel, but not too much: It is important that you sit comfortably while driving, but avoid getting too comfortable. Look for a position that helps you stay alert;
• Make the air conditioning cooler: heated environments generate comfort and consequently drowsiness. If you make the air cooler, your body will remain alert, trying to warm itself up;
• If you have company, talk: It's interesting to talk to someone during a long trip. This will help you stay alert and not doze off, but be careful not to get too distracted by the conversation;
• Avoid taking the road between 2am and 5am: this is the period within 24 hours when we are most sleepy;
• Take breaks during the trip: Long journeys require some breaks, they are essential to wake up the body, stretch the spine and legs and ward off tiredness.

Now that you know when insurance covers expenses if you fall asleep at the wheel and you know some important tips to prevent this type of problem, it will be much easier to stay alert and avoid accidents.