11/01/2024
Driver tiredness and fatigue
You should not drive while tired or fatigued. Research has shown that tired drivers are a major road safety risk, both to themselves and to others. If you are tired and fighting sleep, you are likely to experience ‘micro sleeps’.
These episodes can last up to 10 seconds and can be experienced even when your eyes are open.
During a micro-sleep of even 4 seconds, your car can travel 100 metres (more
than the length of a football pitch) without you being in control of your vehicle.
Prepare your journey properly, and plan where you can take a safe break from driving. Stop in a safe place when you feel tired.
Drink a cup or two of strong coffee or a caffeinated drink and take a nap
for a maximum of 20 minutes (set the alarm on your mobile phone).
Caffeine takes about 20 minutes to take effect, so if you nap for more than 20 minutes, you might wake feeling groggy.
After the nap, if it is safe to do so, get some fresh air and stretch your legs.
Note: these measures should only be considered in an emergency and should
not be used on a regular basis. If you are a professional driver, you should consider what long-term steps you need to take which will help you to get the sleep that you need.
Do not be tempted to keep driving when you are tired because you are only minutes from your destination. Many tiredness-related collisions occur within a few minutes of the driver’s destination as the body begins to relax.
REMEMBER
If you are suffering from a serious lack of sleep, the only cure is sleep.
Image- Makelele Sibeso
