Dekra: Fatigue is an acute risk of accidents
The number of accidents involving fatigued drivers is rising
According to the Dekra accident research, the number of accidents involving fatigued drivers has been increasing in recent years. In 2021, there were 2,026 accidents with personal injury in Germany in which fatigue was a factor. This represents an increase of 10.5 percent compared to the previous year.
The main causes of fatigue at the wheel are long working hours, shift work and private stress. In addition, certain medications, alcohol and drug use can also lead to fatigue.
Fatigue can have serious consequences
Fatigue can have serious consequences for road safety. Drivers who are tired are less attentive, have slower reaction times and make more mistakes. This increases the risk of accidents.
In addition to the risk of accidents, fatigue can also lead to other health problems, such as cardiovascular disease, obesity and diabetes.
How to prevent fatigue at the wheel
There are a number of things that drivers can do to prevent fatigue at the wheel, including:
- Getting enough sleep before driving
- Taking breaks during long journeys
- Avoiding driving when tired
- Eating healthy foods and getting regular exercise
- Avoiding caffeine and alcohol before driving
If you are feeling tired while driving, it is important to pull over to a safe place and take a break.
Conclusion
Fatigue is a serious risk factor for road accidents. Drivers who are tired are more likely to make mistakes and cause accidents. There are a number of things that drivers can do to prevent fatigue at the wheel, including getting enough sleep, taking breaks during long journeys, and avoiding driving when tired.
