Search
Close this search box.
Sign up for our weekly Newsletter

Avoiding driver fatigue

Driver fatigue is estimated to contribute to approximately 20% of road collisions. Although driving when fatigued may not be illegal, research suggests that it can be as dangerous as drink driving. Dr Will Murray from Interactive Driving Systems reports.

Share

10 January 2012

Driver fatigue is estimated to contribute to approximately 20% of road collisions. Although driving when fatigued may not be illegal, research suggests that it can be as dangerous as drink driving. Dr Will Murray from Interactive Driving Systems reports.Being fatigued significantly raises the risk of a collision. It makes us less alert to what is happening on the road. And less able to react quickly and safely if a dangerous situation arises.

Are you at risk?

The two main causes of fatigue are: lack of quality sleep (sleep debt); and driving at times when you would normally be asleep.

If you don’t get enough sleep you go into debt – you ‘owe’ yourself more sleep.

The only way to repay this debt is by sleeping. Until you catch up on your sleep, you have a greater risk of having a fatigue-related collision.

You also put yourself at risk of a fatigue-related collision if you:

  • Drive in the early morning (1am-6am), when you would normally be sleeping
  • Travel in the ‘afternoon lull’ (1-4pm), when the ‘biological clock’ makes us feel sleepy
  • Start a big trip after a long day’s work
  • Have a sleep disorder such as sleep apnoea
  • Symptoms include heavy snoring broken by sudden periods of silence, restless sleep and constantly being tired during the day

What are the fatigue danger signs for drivers?

  • Constant yawning
  • Drifting in the lane
  • Sore or heavy eyes
  • Trouble keeping your head up
  • Delayed reactions
  • Daydreaming
  • Difficulty remembering the last few kilometres
  • Variations in driving speed

Myths about driver fatigue

  • Plenty of fresh air through the window will help keep me alert. A short-term benefit at best
  • Young people need less sleep. Under 25s are over-represented in fatigue-related collisions
  • I know when I’m tired, or having sleep attacks. You may only find out when it’s too late
  • Having a short break will keep me safe. Once you are fatigued you must sleep
  • Coffee is a good way to combat fatigue. Coffee/caffeine only provides short-term benefits; once its effects wear off, you suffer from sleep rebound which is a major cause of collisions
  • Playing music will help keep me alert. This provides only a short-term benefit

Remember – the only cure for fatigue is sleep.

If you start to feel tired take a powernap of 10 minutes or more. This will significantly lower the risk of a fatigue-related collision.

The best approach is to avoid fatigue:

  • Make sure you regularly get enough sleep
  • Plan your journeys more diligently
  • Be aware of your biological clock or circadian rhythms – increased collision risk between 1-6am and 1-4pm
  • Don’t start a big trip after a long day’s work
  • Take regular rest breaks to help avoid the onset of fatigue
  • Eat proper well-balanced meals, preferably at your normal meal times

Further information

More details are available at www.virtualriskmanager.net

Share this article

Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn
WhatsApp
Reddit
Email

Want more motoring news?

Sign up here for our free weekly serving of motoring.

Sign up here for our free weekly serving of motoring.

Ralph Morton

Ralph Morton

Ralph Morton is an award-winning journalist and the founder of Business Car Manager (now renamed Business Motoring). Ralph writes extensively about the car and van leasing industry as well as wider fleet and company car issues. A former editor of What Car?, Ralph is a vastly experienced writer and editor and has been writing about the automotive sector for over 35 years.

Latest news

Top