Being an alert driver is an essential part of being a safe driver. If you drive when fatigued - tired, weary, exhausted or jetlagged - you increase your chances of having a crash. That's because fatigue slows your reflexes and affects your ability to concentrate and make good decisions, like decisions about the speed you're travelling. Fatigued drivers tend to crash at full speed - and we know from statistics, that the higher the speed, the higher the risk
of death or injury in a crash.
of death or injury in a crash.
You may be suffering from driver fatigue...if you:
Why driving while fatigued is dangerous
Tips to help you avoid driver fatigue
- have trouble focusing, keeping your eyes open or holding your head up
- are daydreaming, having wandering or disconnected thoughts, loss of memory
- are yawning or rubbing your eyes repeatedly
- are drifting from your lane, tailgating and missing signs or exits
- are feeling restless and irritable
- have recently undertaken long distance air travel.
Why driving while fatigued is dangerous
- your reactions are much slower
- your ability to concentrate is reduced
- your judgement of risk is reduced
- it takes longer to interpret and understand the traffic situation.
Tips to help you avoid driver fatigue
- Get a good night's sleep before driving, preferably eight hours.
- Avoid driving during the hours when you would normally be sleeping. For most people, this will be between 10 pm and 6 am.
- If you normally have a mid-afternoon nap, then you should avoid driving at that time.
- Make sure you are fully awake before driving following a period of sleep.
- Share the driving when possible.
- Don't drink even small amounts of alcohol. It will make the effects of fatigue much worse.
- When taking long trips, plan your journey to include rest breaks.
- Ensure you get plenty of fresh air.
- Snack on light, fresh foods. Avoid consuming fatty, sugary or carbohydrate-filled foods, which can make you feel tired.
- If possible, avoid driving for several days following long distance air travel. Jetlag can creep up on you and you may not even feel tired.
- Take a friend with you on your travel who will help you stay awake.
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