Are you driving while tired?
Posted by Tom Benjamin
With recent research indicating that as many as one in eight drivers in the UK have experienced 'head-nodding' – falling asleep for between two and 30 seconds behind the wheel – the Driving Standards Agency (DSA) has warned that tiredness can also decrease reaction times.
Sandra Dodson, deputy chief driving examiner at the DSA, urged motorists to prepare for long journeys by getting a good night's sleep the evening before and not to start a journey if they are feeling tired.
As well as getting plenty of rest it is also crucial not to drink the night before a long distance journey, as any alcohol left in the system will make drivers sleepy and may even push them over the legal driving limit.
Ms Dodson also recommended sugary sweets for the trip, stopping to stretch the legs and to have a drink as ways of re-energising for the next stretch of the journey.
The DSA also recommends opening a window if tiredness becomes a factor as a hot car will induce sleep quicker than a cool environment – asking passengers to stay awake and talk to you is also a way of staying awake.
Tired drivers can take longer to react to hazards or brake lights ahead and Ms Dodson says this can become a major issue when travelling at 70mph on the motorway as the distance covered during the reaction time is much greater.
"If you're alert and 400m down the road you can see brake lights on in the distance, you can start to react, but if you're dropping off you might not see it at that distance – so the question is at what point would you be able to react [to what you saw?]," she noted.
The DSA explained that the level of rest needed by tired drivers differs from person to person.
Ms Dodson explained: "For some people a nap isn't possible but getting out of the car in itself may rejuvenate you enough, but if you do need a nap and think you can't carry on then just don't drive."
I hate having to drive when I’m tired. Had a few close calls in the past, but I’ve found opening the windows is pretty effective. Oddly, shouting or screaming seems to work pretty well too – just don’t do it at the traffic lights or the person next to you may think you are a nutter!
I’ve taken plenty of naps before when tired from driving. I don’t see why it’s not feasible? Simply pull over in the shade and take a nap and use your cell phone as an alarm. Even a short 20 min nap makes a big difference in how you feel.