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35. FATIGUE - FATAL FACTOR

Every year during the holiday periods accidents caused by fatigue claim numerous lives. Optimistic travellers, failing to safely plan their trip, often misjudge how far they can safely travel without a break. After two hours behind the wheel tiredness starts to affect even the safest driver, especially on a long, monotonous road.

Four ways your body responds to long hours at the wheel:

1. Lower concentration level	The mind wanders elsewhere.
2. Slower reaction	Fresh drivers react better in an emergency.
3. Misjudging of speed & distances	Not realizing, how fast the vehicle is moving.
4. Impaired hazard perception	Seeing danger ahead to late.

 Here's how to minimize the risk: 

Plan your rest stops ...		...and overnights to allow for a relaxed journey.
Every two hours pull over...		... have a drink, a snack and light exercise.
Change drivers frequently...		...if another is available
Act as soon as you feel drowsy.		A micro-sleep (a second of dozing) has caused many head-on crashes! DON'T drive on, stop and rest!

Avoid driving through the night. If unavoidable, take these additional precautions:

1. Ask a passenger stay awake, where possible, to keep you alert.

2. Keep fresh air flowing into the cabin and the heater low.

Fresh air in the cabin is vital when a number of people are travelling together in a small car. As the oxygen gets depleted, the air turns stuffy, the driver gets drowsy very quickly. He or she may fall azzzzz....

At the first sign of feeling sleepy, sound the alarm bells and stop the vehicle. You cannot afford to nod off, even for one second. A 15-minute powernap will refresh you sufficiently to continue safely.

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Our information could vary in your part of the world. We recommend you use above information in conjunction with a professional driving instructor.

Road Safety by Dieter Fischer - revised 2020.