Driving tired – know the risks

Fatigued drivers are a real danger on the road. Though police records suggest fatigue may be a factor in only 3% of accidents, the true numbers may be much higher. While drink-driving and speeding grab the headlines, it’s estimated that up to 10% of reported road accidents are due to tired drivers making errors.

However when you’re on the road for work or for a long commute, you can take simple steps to protect yourself, other people, and your vehicle.

Whether you’re driving back home from a holiday or driving for business, there is a risk over long journeys. Contrary to popular belief, the time of day may have less impact on tiredness than the length of time spent on the road. So whether you’re driving at night or in daylight hours, remember that fatigue affects your reaction times and perception.

 Driving long hours for work

• Touring musician, travelling salesman or truck driver, fatigue is part of the role. But it’s better to take a sleep break and be slightly off schedule than risk an accident
• Check if your company has a written road safety policy with rules on how to avoid fatigue-related accidents
• While HGV drivers may be more practiced at handling fatigue than car drivers, the law says that even they should not drive more than 9 hours per day

Long-distance driving

• Even the best car insurance won’t cover you for an accident that is your fault. If you’re tired, don’t start a long trip
• Two cups of caffeinated coffee and minimum 15-minute naps will help you stay alert. Just don’t stop in a restricted zone for your sleep
• If you have to drive for over 3 hours and aren’t used to driving long distances, aim to stop every 2 hours
• Don’t drive for over 8 hours
• Plan your trip so you drive via places where you can get a drink and take a nap safely. You may need to stop overnight on extra long drives
• Avoid heavy meals and intense exercise, especially if you are older
• Meetings and events are tiring in themselves. Take this fatigue into account when planning a business drive

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