Fatigue
Don’t put lives at stake for the sake of a 15-minute break.
Driving under the influence of fatigue is very similar to driving while impaired from alcohol or drugs.
It can reduce your alertness and reaction times, cause you to waver speeds and lane position and be irritable with passengers or other road users.
Driving tired, places you, your family, and other families at risk. Fatigue is sneaky and can creep up on you.
Many drivers manage fatigue through coffee, energy drinks, opening a window or turning up the radio. These are only effective for a short reprieve from fatigue and can actually make you feel worse when you stop using these interventions.
To manage driver fatigue properly
Before you drive:
- Plan ahead.
- Avoid driving more than 8-10 hours a day.
- Make sure you have a good night’s sleep before you travel, start fresh.
- Drive at times when you are normally awake.
On the road:
- Schedule regular 15-minute rest stops in the fresh air, at least every 2 hours.
- Start the journey refreshed and organise to share the driving.
- Passengers, stay alert to how your driver is coping, suggest a break, or swapping drivers.
Signs of fatigue include:
- Constant yawning.
- Sore or heavy eyes, blurred vision.
- Daydreaming.
- Difficulty in remembering the last few kilometres.
- Variations in driving speed.
- Drifting over the centre line or the road edge.
- Impatience, lack of concentration, or delayed reactions.
- Trouble keeping your head up.
When any of these signs appear, it is time to pull over, take a break. If possible, share the driving.
If you are on your own, get out of the car, stretch, and walk and if this doesn’t work, have a power nap.
It’s far better the journey is fun and enjoyable, even if it takes a little longer in our beautiful scenery and rest stop locations, than end in tragedy.
The majority of fatigue crashes occur close to home or your destination, drivers tend to think they made it, and switch off.
Feeling tired? take a break and manage driver fatigue, get there safe.