Driver Fatigue: Who is most at risk, how can this be avoided? – Arrive Alive
We all know that driving a vehicle while under the influence of alcohol or other drugs is a deadly combination. However, it is surprising that few people seem to realise the danger associated with driving while fatigued.
Every year thousands of accidents are caused by drivers who become drowsy or fall asleep at the wheel.
Fatigue affects everyone. Although it is typically associated with long-distance driving, fatigue can set in after a long day at work, an outing at the beach, or virtually any activity. Circadian rhythm, the body’s natural rhythm associated with the earth’s rotation, causes nearly everyone to be less alert or even drowsy between 1 and 5 pm.
Also watch: Man sleeping behind the wheel of Tesla in traffic
Emotional stress, illness, or even boredom can cause fatigue. Sun glare, a major factor in eyestrain, can contribute to fatigue. Overeating, drinking alcohol, or driving in an overheated or very cold vehicle can compound the effects.
Those who are most at risk are:
Sleep-deprived or fatigued
Driving long distances without rest breaks
Driving through the night, the early afternoon, or at other times when they are normally asleep
Taking medication that increases sleepiness or drinking alcohol
Driving alone
Driving on long, rural, boring roads
Frequent travellers, e.g., business travellers
Young People
Sleep-related crashes are most common in young people, who tend to stay up late, sleep too little, and drive at night.
Shift Workers
Studies suggest that 20 to 30% of those with non-traditional work schedules have had a fatigue-related driving mishap within the last year. The drive home from work after the night shift is likely to be a particularly dangerous one.
Commercial Drivers
Truck drivers are especially susceptible to fatigue-related crashes. In addition to the high number of kilometres driven each year, many truckers may drive during the night when the body is sleepiest. Truckers may also have a high prevalence of a sleep and breathing disorder called sleep apnea. Studies suggest truck-driver fatigue may be a contributing factor in at least 30 to 40 percent of all heavy truck accidents.
Also read: Signs that you’re a drowsy driver
People with Undiagnosed Sleep Disorders
The presence of a sleep disorder increases the risk of crashes. Disorders such as chronic insomnia, sleep apnea and narcolepsy, all of which lead to excessive daytime sleepiness, afflict potential motorists. Most people with sleep disorders remain undiagnosed and untreated. Sleep apnea occurs in 4% of middle-aged men and 2% of middle-aged women. The disorder is associated with a three to seven-time increase in crash risk.
Arrive Alive has some tips on how to avoid driver fatigue on long trips:
- for long trips plan in advance so you know where you are going to take a break.
- take a break at least every 2 hours.
- plan to stay somewhere overnight if you are going on a long journey.
- share the driving – and make sure that you rest when you are not driving.
- try not to drive when you would normally be asleep (early mornings and late nights.
- You should look out for these signs when you are driving (long and short trips): you keep yawning, your reactions slow down, you feel stiff, your eyes feel heavy, you find you are day dreaming, you wander over the centre line or onto the edge of the road.
Source: Arrive Alive