Combating driver fatigue is a major problem on the road with 37 percent of drivers having nodded off or fallen asleep at the wheel at least once since they’ve had their license (Source: The National Safety Council).
Driver fatigue doesn’t just affect long-distance journeys – fatal consequences can occur if you jump behind the wheel on a short-distance trip if you are over-tired.
Fatigue isn’t caused just from lack of sleep though. Dull landscapes, comfort of your car, and even the droning noise from car engines and tires can influence driver alertness.
Driver fatigue is such a problem that audible edge linings have been introduced on many roads. These edge lines, cause vibration of the car when crossed, and alert drivers when their car begins to veer off the road.
But the best solution is being able to recognise the signs of fatigue and avoid it altogether.
Driver fatigue leads to accidents
Even on straight roads, a sleeping driver will eventually drift off the road. A split second diversion from a straight driving route will increase chances of a collision with road obstacles, other vehicles, and pedestrians.
The effects of fatigue on driving ability
Fatigue has a huge impact on your driving ability, and the bodily response is often compared to drink driving.
Feeling tired behind the wheel can result in slower reaction times, lack of concentration especially judging speed and distance, reduced vigilance and nodding off.
By ignoring symptoms such as yawning, fumbling for gear changes and fuzzy vision, it’s enough to increase your risk of getting in an accident. This animated video shows common reactions in how the body reacts to fatigue when driving.
7 ways to avoid driver fatigue
- Get a good night’s sleep between 7-10 hours in length before heading off on a long trip. Also, try to maintain good sleep habits on a regular basis so you don’t build a sleep debt that results in drowsiness and inability to concentrate.
- Avoid driving late at night when your body naturally adjusts to circadian sleep cycles. Driving between midnight and 6am is particularly risky, and the glare of headlights at night can lead to driver hypnosis.
- If you’re driving and feel the least bit sleepy, take action immediately. Pull over and take a 20-minute power nap at a minimum, but be wary that any longer than that puts you into a deeper sleep.
- Share the driving with another rested person, and ask them to keep talking so you have a conversation partner.
- Keep the temperature in your car comfortably cool by winding down a window or using the air-conditioning as warmer temperatures induce sleep.
- Take regular rest breaks during your journey – stop every 2 hours for a break. Use designated rest areas, tourist spots and driver reviver areas. Get out of your car to stretch your legs and walk around, or stop for a light meal. Avoid heavy meals or fatty food as the body uses more energy to digest them and you’ll feel tired faster.
- Avoid driving for long periods of time – 8-10 hour driving stints can lead to fatigue. If you work for a company where driving is a major part of your job role, for example truck drivers or goods delivery drivers, ask your company to schedule regular rest periods into your work deadlines so you are not rushing to meet delivery deadlines.
The most important step to not driving drowsy is being able to recognise the warning signs and take appropriate action. Don’t take the risk.
