Signs that you’re a drowsy driver
Are you a drowsy driver?
We’ve all heard stories about people falling asleep behind the wheel and know the potential dangers of driving fatigue and tiredness.
But at what point do we realise that we might be too tired to get behind the wheel and should we not be taking it more seriously, like we do with drinking and driving?
Arrive Alive compiled a great list of warning signs to look out for if you suspect you’re at risk of drowsy driving:
- Look for the warning signs of fatigue from drivers who
- can’t remember the last few kilometers driven
- drift from their lanes or hit a rumble strip
- experience wandering or disconnected thoughts
- yawn repeatedly
- have difficulty focusing or keeping their eyes open
- tailgate or miss traffic signs
- have trouble keeping their head up
- keep jerking their vehicles back into the lane
Once driving, motorists should:
- Recognize that they are in danger of falling asleep and cannot predict when a microsleep may occur.
- Not count on the radio, open window or other “tricks” to keep them awake.
- Respond to symptoms of fatigue by finding a safe place to stop for a break.
- Pull off into a safe area away from traffic and take a brief nap (15 to 45 minutes) if tired.
- Drink coffee or a functional energy drink to promote short-term alertness if needed. (It takes about 30 minutes for caffeine to enter the bloodstream.)
Other warning signs for drowsy driving
Source: AA