Sleep at the wheel - How to prevent fatigue when driving
The summer holidays are coming up
Millions of people, especially families, are planning long car journeys in the coming weeks. But tiredness at the wheel is one of the biggest dangers on the road and it can affect anyone - even the most experienced drivers.
What is tiredness at the wheel?
Tiredness at the wheel is a state of reduced alertness while driving. It can be caused by a lack of sleep, long hours behind the wheel or disrupted sleep patterns. It can affect your ability to drive safely and increase your risk of having an accident.
Signs of tiredness at the wheel
Many signs can indicate that you're becoming too tired to drive safely. These include:
- Feeling tired or drowsy
- Having difficulty keeping your eyes open
- Nodding off or having difficulty concentrating
- Drifting in and out of your lane
- Tailgating or driving too close to the car in front
- Missing road signs or traffic lights
- Reacting slowly to hazards
- Making poor decisions
Preventing tiredness at the wheel
There are a number of things you can do to prevent tiredness at the wheel, including:
- Getting enough sleep before driving
- Taking regular breaks on long journeys
- Avoiding driving when you're tired
- Sharing the driving with a friend or family member
- Drinking plenty of water or caffeine to stay alert
- Eating a healthy diet
- Getting regular exercise
- Avoiding alcohol and drugs before driving
What to do if you're feeling tired while driving
If you start to feel tired while driving, the best thing to do is to stop and take a break. Find a safe place to park your car and get some rest. You can also try some of the following tips:
- Open a window to get some fresh air
- Turn up the radio to keep yourself awake
- Get out of the car and walk around for a few minutes
- Drink a cup of coffee or tea
- Eat a healthy snack
Don't risk it - if you're tired, don't drive
Tiredness at the wheel is a serious problem that can have devastating consequences. If you're feeling tired, the best thing to do is to stop and take a break. Don't risk it - if you're tired, don't drive.