Drowsy driving: The effects of fatigue at the wheel

Have you ever been so tired while driving that you have difficulty focusing on the road?

You’re not the only one. According to a recent study, 1 in 25 adult drivers reports having fallen asleep while driving in the previous 30 days. This goes to show how important it is to always keep in mind a few tips to reduce the risk of drifting off while behind the wheel.

Learn to identify signs of fatigue

When driving, pay attention to the signs of fatigue:

• Reduced concentration
• Yawning
• Itchy eyes
• Difficulty driving in a straight course
• Difficulty sitting in one position

Most accidents caused by fatigue occur in the early afternoon and at night, which are the body’s natural rest periods.

The effects of drowsiness on driving

Driving while fatigued is like driving under the influence. In both cases, you’re less alert and your reflexes are slower. One study shows that fatigue due to being awake for 17 to 19 consecutive hours is comparable to having a blood alcohol level of 50 mg/100 ml (0.05) in terms of how it affects one’s abilities.

What should you do when you feel tired?

The only way to fight fatigue at the wheel is to stop and rest. Despite popular belief, neither coffee nor fresh air will wake you up.

To reduce the risk of an accident, stop at a rest area and take a 15-minute break. 15 to 20 minutes has been shown to be the optimal rest time. If, however, you’re travelling with passengers, ask one of them to take over while you rest.

Advice for avoiding fatigue

Thankfully, there are a few simple measures you can take to counteract drowsiness:

• Get a good night’s rest, going to bed when you feel tired and sleeping in suitable conditions
• Take regular breaks approximately every two hours in a safe location along your route
• Avoid driving at times you would normally be sleeping, i.e., late in the evening or during the night
• Avoid drinking alcohol and taking certain medications if you intend to drive, as certain substances cause drowsiness
• Combine business with pleasure and take your long trips with at least one passenger

New tech to the rescue

Good news, the latest technology is getting better and better at protecting you. Cars are safer than ever, and manufacturers are integrating sensors to warn and protect drivers. The most common of these are audible alarms on the dashboard that sound when you’ve been driving for over two hours. Many models also feature a lane departure warning system, which alerts the driver if their vehicle is unintentionally crossing a solid or broken line (without having activated the turn signals).

There’s also a growing range of smart devices currently on the market designed to prevent drowsy driving. Rings, earpieces or facial recognition devices are great options…

…that is, while we wait for the day when we can have a little nap in our autonomous vehicles. But we’ve still got a ways to go before then!

Are you prone to falling asleep at the wheel?

If you’re under the age of 30 or over the age of 55, if you work nights, if your job involves driving long distances or if you have a sleep disorder, you should be extra vigilant. 

Whatever your reason for getting behind the wheel, it should never be at the expense of your safety.