Many people don’t know or choose to ignore, how much driving is too much. The biggest mistake you can make is not to rest when you’re tired. It’s important to determine how tired you are before you get behind the wheel. Recognise the early warning signs when driving and know what to do when you are tired.
Be aware of the causes, symptoms and possible dangers of driving while tired to save lives on our roads.
Driver Fatigue
Driver fatigue and tiredness is a danger on our roads. It affects anybody driving long distances, working long hours, that is sleep deprived, stressed or ill. When you begin to feel drowsy, or you start having trouble keeping your eyes open on the road, it’s best to pull over to rest.
Although driver fatigue is typically linked to long-distance driving, it can also set in after a long day at work or after a family outing. Fatigue-related crashes can happen on any trip, no matter how long or short and at any time of the day.
Factors that may cause driver fatigue include:
Look out for these six most telling signs of fatigue:
Driver fatigue impairs your driving skills. The feeling of being tired or exhausted often results in difficulty moving your arms, legs and other muscles. It makes you less alert, affects your hand-eye co-ordination, and could result in you driving more recklessly.
Fatigue affects everyone and is one of the leading causes of motor vehicle accidents, particularly in long-distance freight, bus and taxi operations.
Follow these tips to prevent driver fatigue and arrive safely at your destination:
If you fall asleep behind the wheel you’re putting your own life (and that of others) in danger. If you’re getting tired, stop. Take a break, and be safe when you and your family are travelling.
We urge you to get enough rest before you start a journey, and to be extra vigilant and mindful of all these factors at all times.
In the Western Cape, there are a few roads which can potentially be dangerous if you drive while being tired. These include:
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Driver Tiredness, Fatigue and Road Safety
Download and watch the Don’t Drive While Tired video clip.
For more information please visit Safely Home’s website for other road safety tips.