Did you know that it is dangerous to drive while being tired? One of the biggest mistakes you can make is not taking a break when feeling tired. It’s essential to gauge your level of tiredness before getting behind the wheel and be able to recognise early warning signs while driving. In this article, we’ll cover driver fatigue, its causes, symptoms, and the potential dangers it poses on our roads, as well as offer tips to stay safe.1
Driver Fatigue is a Hidden Danger
Driver fatigue and tiredness are significant hazards on South African roads. It can affect anyone who drives long distances, works extended hours, suffers from sleep deprivation, experiences stress, or is unwell. When you start feeling drowsy or struggling to keep your eyes open while driving, the best action is to pull over and rest. 1
While driver fatigue is often associated with long-distance travel, it can sneak up on you after a long day at work or a family outing. Fatigue-related accidents can occur on any journey, regardless of its length or time of day. 1
What causes Driver Fatigue?
Several factors can contribute to driver fatigue, including:
- Juggling more than one job can lead to exhaustion.
- Working overnight can disrupt your body’s natural sleep-wake cycle.
- Driving after being awake for over 15 hours increases the fatigue risk.
- Less than 5 hours of sleep the previous night can tire you.
- Driving between midnight and 6 am is a common time for fatigue.
- Certain medications can cause drowsiness, impacting your ability to drive safely.
- Extended periods of driving, whether in terms of distance or duration, can lead to tiredness. 1
Recognising the Signs of Fatigue
It’s crucial to be aware of the signs of driver fatigue to stay safe on the road. Look out for these tell-tale indicators:
- You struggle to keep your eyes open and stay attentive.
- Excessive yawning and missing road signs.
- Your vehicle drifts between lanes without your control.
- You become irritable and fidgety.
- You can’t keep your head up while driving.
- Your thoughts become disconnected, and you daydream. 1
Driver fatigue significantly impairs your driving skills. Fatigue makes moving your limbs and muscles difficult, reduces alertness, affects hand-eye coordination, and can lead to reckless driving behaviour. 1
Avoiding Driver Fatigue
To ensure your safety and the safety of others on the road, here are some important tips to prevent driver fatigue:
- Plan your trip well in advance and ensure you’re well-rested before embarking on a long drive.
- Avoid driving between 1 am and 5 am when your body’s natural sleep patterns are at their lowest.
- Never consume alcohol, drugs, or medication that may cause drowsiness before driving.
- Don’t take sleeping pills the night before your trip.
- Schedule short breaks every two hours or every 200 km during your journey.
- Get out of the vehicle at safe locations to stretch your legs and rest.
- Wear good-quality sunglasses that won’t strain your eyes.
- Avoid heavy and large meals before driving.
- Keep the vehicle’s temperature at a comfortable level.
- Ensure no exhaust fumes are leaking into the car.
- If you’re tired, stop and rest. It’s essential for your safety and the safety of your passengers. 1
Falling asleep at the wheel is extremely dangerous and puts lives at risk. When you’re tired while driving, pulling over, taking a break, and prioritising safety is crucial. Considering the above factors, we urge all drivers in South Africa to get adequate rest before leaving on their journeys, especially this festive season.
Disclaimer
This article is about why driving while you are tired is dangerous. 1
Now you know more about driving while tired is a bad idea. Are you driving your car with car insurance cover you want to change or buy it for the first time? Buy affordable, comprehensive car insurance with fantastic benefits like fixed premiums*, reducing excess*, and leading service. Terms and conditions apply.
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This article was prepared by Eric Sandmann in his personal capacity. The views and opinions expressed in this article are the author’s own. The views and opinions in the article should not be attributed to anyone but the author unless expressly stated. Nothing in this article should be relied upon as advice, this publication is presented for informational purposes only. No person should act or refrain from acting in reliance on any information found in this article, without first obtaining proper financial advice from the appropriate professional. The author makes no claims, promises or guarantees about the accuracy, or completeness, of any information linked from, referred to, or contained in this article. The author reserves the right, to edit and change the content of this article.
Sources:
1 https://www.westerncape.gov.za/general-publication/driver-fatigue-can-be-fatal
Driver Tiredness is a Killer!! Know the Signs of Driver Tiredness and Fatigue!! Plan for long-distance travel and make those Regular Rest Stops! https://t.co/JGjmcpuOD6 #ArriveAlive #DriverTiredness pic.twitter.com/nAMJMuIt75
– Arrive Alive (@_ArriveAlive) November 6, 2023