Driver Fatigue

Driver Fatigue Information

Exactly what is driver fatigue?

Driver fatigue is considered a serious problem that results in thousands of road accidents per year. There are no specific calculations on the number of motorists that fall asleep behind the wheel due to the fact it is extremely difficult in monitoring the figures that are responsible for road accidents in the UK.

Research has shown that the figure of 20% is not unreasonable to assume in the fact that driver fatigue is the cause of so many accidents on our roads. The most roadside accidents usually occur on the most monotonous roads, such as motorways as many motorists can drive for hours at a time without taking a break.

Lack of sleep reduces the reaction time of motorists as well as alertness and concentration. By losing concentration you can significantly increase the amount of likelihood of being involved in an accident.

There are many drivers that are fully aware that they are becoming sleepy and still make a conscious decision to carry on driving, therefore increasing their chances of being involved in an accident.

Who is more at risk?

Young male drivers are amongst the top category to be involved in falling asleep as well as truck drivers, company sales representatives, any driver that travels long distances are certainly susceptible to falling asleep while driving.

Best-Breakdown would suggest that you read the highway code reference “driver fatigue”

The Highway Code gives the following advice:-

Driving when you are tired greatly increases your accident risk. To minimise this risk

• Make sure you are fit to drive. Do not undertake a long journey (longer than an hour) if you feel tired.
• Avoid undertaking long journeys between midnight and 6am, when natural alertness is at a minimum
• Plan your journey to take sufficient breaks. A minimum break of at least 15 minutes after every two hours of driving in recommended
• If you feel sleepy, stop in a safe place. Do not stop on the hard shoulder of a motorway
• The most effective ways to counter sleepiness are to take a short nap (up to 15 minutes) or drink, for example, two cups of strong coffee. Fresh air, exercise or turning up the radio may help for a short time, but are not as effective.

By nodding off for just a second while travelling at 100km/h you will travel approximately 100 meters in under 4 seconds.

Early signs of driver fatigue:

• Poor concentration
• Boredom
• Tired eyes
• Yawning
• Restlessness
• Slow reactions

Reducing Driver Fatigue:

There are many things that motorists can do to try to combat falling asleep whilst behind the wheel, however many of these are regarded as ineffective. The most recommended method of avoiding driver fatigue is to stop in a place that is regarded as free from other vehicles and taking a drink of at least 150mg of caffeine and then taking a power nap for at least 15 minutes.

The safest option for motorists from feeling drowsy/sleepy whilst driving is to restrain from driving if you are ill or taking some form of medication as this can have a dramatic effect on your diligence in driving safely. It is imperative that if you are planning on taking a long-journey then it should be carefully planned allowing for stops at least every two hours.