GEM Motoring Assist, a breakdown and road safety organization, advises that drivers must be well rested before to embarking on lengthy trips. According to GEM, fatigue while driving increases the likelihood of a collision since you are less attentive of your surroundings. If a dangerous situation emerges, your capacity to respond is impaired.
This is why weariness can be a role in up to 20% of all traffic incidents, and up to 25% of fatal and catastrophic crashes1.
A fatigue-related collision is approximately fifty percent more likely to end in death or serious injury, because a driver who has fallen asleep at the wheel will be unable to reduce speed or change course to prevent a collision.
The results may be catastrophic.
Neil Worth continues by stating that falling asleep behind the wheel is easy avoidable, but you must listen the numerous warning signs your body will display before you really drift off.
“No one falls asleep without experiencing various recognizable stages of fatigue and distraction,”
“You will have trouble concentrating on the driving task; you may fidget, yawn frequently, and rub your eyes regularly.
“When more severe levels of fatigue set in, you may find that your thoughts are constantly wandering away from driving, you may drift to the left or right, you may be slowing down without realizing it, and you will suddenly realize that you have no recollection of anything that occurred in the preceding minutes.
“At this point, your driving performance is severely hampered, and you must pull over to a safe location immediately. A power nap and/or a caffeinated beverage can provide a temporary relief, but they should never be substituted for enough rest.
“If you are that exhausted, you must rest properly.”
GEM suggests five simple tips to lessen the risk of a collision caused by driver fatigue:
Get a good night’s rest before embarking on a lengthy travel.
Do not continue into the night. Avoid driving when you would normally be sleeping.
Heavy meals, especially at midday, should be avoided while travel, as they might cause afternoon tiredness.
On lengthy trips, stop for at least 15 minutes every two hours or 100 miles. Get out of the automobile and engage in some exercise, stretching, or walking. If necessary, have two caffeinated beverages to increase your attentiveness.
You will recognize when weariness is present. It does not simply catch you off guard. Therefore, avoid the impulse to press on and take a break.
»Long-distance driving tiredness can be minimized by following these suggestions«