Too tired to drive? Recognize the signs of drowsy driving
We should all know that getting behind the wheel of the van without adequate sleep or whilst tired is dangerous not only for you, the driver, but also for others on and off the roads. Driving requires intense concentration and perception and even if we don’t see it as a big issue and do it without a second thought, driving when tired is a serious problem that results in thousands of motoring accidents every year. If you drive a company car, truck, or van and work late/long shifts, then statistically you are more at risk of nodding off at the wheel than other drivers. It’s important to be aware of the signs that may mean you are too tired to drive.
Whether you are the one behind the wheel or a passenger, here are ways to recognize the signs of drowsy driving: heavy eyelids, frequent blinking, difficulty focusing vision, impaired concentration (day dreaming), missing exits or traffic signals, repeated yawning, drifting into other lanes or veering off the road, variations in your driving speed, and irritability or jumpiness.
To help drivers exercise better judgment before driving whilst tired, road safety charity, the IAM is offering their weekly motoring advice on this very topic. Britain’s top advanced driver, Peter Rodger is advising on combating fatigue this week. Read his top tips below:
IAM chief examiner Peter Rodger said: “Motorways are our safest roads - but they are monotonous. If you’re embarking on a long journey, get a good rest and use this advice to help make sure you’re alert throughout.”
For more helpful motoring advice from the IAM, please visit their website here.
Whether you are the one behind the wheel or a passenger, here are ways to recognize the signs of drowsy driving: heavy eyelids, frequent blinking, difficulty focusing vision, impaired concentration (day dreaming), missing exits or traffic signals, repeated yawning, drifting into other lanes or veering off the road, variations in your driving speed, and irritability or jumpiness.
To help drivers exercise better judgment before driving whilst tired, road safety charity, the IAM is offering their weekly motoring advice on this very topic. Britain’s top advanced driver, Peter Rodger is advising on combating fatigue this week. Read his top tips below:
- Plan your journey to include a stop at least once every two hours.
- Where possible, share the driving with another driver.
- Make sure you drink enough fluids.
- Don’t plan to travel late at night if you can avoid it. The overnight hours are particularly hard if you are tired.
- Don’t ignore warning signs of fatigue. If you feel drowsy, stop at the next motorway service area, get out of the car and walk around.
- In extreme cases, have a caffeine drink and sleep for 20 minutes while it takes effect. You can only do this once in a journey; it won’t have the same effect if you do it again.
IAM chief examiner Peter Rodger said: “Motorways are our safest roads - but they are monotonous. If you’re embarking on a long journey, get a good rest and use this advice to help make sure you’re alert throughout.”
For more helpful motoring advice from the IAM, please visit their website here.
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