Long-distance drives can be deceptively exhausting due to the prolonged focus and monotony involved. Fatigue doesn’t hit all at once; it builds up gradually, making it challenging to notice the shift from being alert to feeling drowsy.
This gradual onset means drivers might not realise they need a break until they are significantly impaired.
As fatigue progresses, reaction times slow, and decision-making abilities diminish, increasing the risk of accidents. According to road charity Brake, it's estimated that driver fatigue causes 10-20% of all road accidents worldwide.
In this blog, we'll provide top tips on how to stay awake and safe on long drives.
Fatigue doesn't strike suddenly; it creeps up on you gradually, making it challenging to pinpoint the exact moment you crossed the line, from alertness to drowsiness. However, there are subtle signs that your body gives off, indicating it's time to take a break and recharge. Here are some common fatigue indicators to watch out for:
- Frequent yawning and heavy eyelids: Your body's way of telling you it's time for a nap.
- Difficulty keeping eyes open and maintaining focus: This is a clear sign that your mind is wandering and you're losing concentration on the road.
- Impaired judgment and decision-making: You may find yourself making questionable choices, such as speeding or taking unnecessary risks.
- Increased reaction times: Brakes take longer to engage, and you're slower to respond to sudden hazards.
- Mood swings and irritability: Fatigue can make you impatient, easily frustrated, and overall, less pleasant to be around.
1 in 8 drivers have admitted to falling asleep at the wheel, so make sure you don't avoid the signs of fatigue (Brake).
We all get tired. It's one of those things that sometimes doesn't make sense. You might have had a great nights sleep or feel extremely hydrated, yet you're still tired. However, with driver fatigue, there are a few common factors that we can prevent, including:
- Lack of sleep - If you've not had a great nights sleep, it's obvious that you'll be more likely to get driver fatigue. You'll also be more impatient when tired, which has a negative effect on our decision making. Ensure you get at least seven hours before your long journey.
- Stress - If you're feeling stressed, you're more likely to be tired. If you commute to work, try not to take your work home and ensure you completely switch off.
- Time of day - The most common time for drivers to fall asleep at the wheel is between 2am-6am, so try and avoid driving here if you can. Early afternoon, 2pm-4pm, is also a dangerous time as its when our body clock reaches a natural dip.
- Driving for long periods - Research suggests that fatigue kicks in after two hours of continuous driving, making our concentration much worse. If you're on a particularly long journey, take a break every two hours to stretch the legs and reset the mind.
- Irregular sleep patterns - Us humans are creatures of habit and our bodies love having the same routine. However, sometimes this isn't possible, whether that's due to work shifts or having a young baby. Irregular sleep throws our body clock off, and makes us more likely to be involved in a fatigue-related accident.
If you find yourself struggling to stay awake behind the wheel, don't hesitate to take action. Implementing the following tips to help you combat fatigue and maintain your alertness throughout the journey:
- Schedule Regular Breaks: Every two hours or so, pull over at a rest area or scenic spot, get out of the car, and stretch your legs. Take a short walk, engage in light exercise, and refresh your mind.
- Maintain Proper Posture: Avoid slouching or sitting in one position for too long. Adjust your seat frequently, and engage your core muscles to prevent muscle fatigue and discomfort.
- Stay Hydrated: Dehydration can significantly worsen fatigue. Drink plenty of water throughout the journey to stay hydrated and energised.
- Avoid Stimulants: While caffeine and energy drinks may provide a temporary boost, they can lead to a caffeine crash later, making fatigue worse. Stick to water and moderate amounts of natural energy boosters like fruits and nuts.
- Eat a Balanced Diet: Skip heavy or greasy meals before or during the drive, as these can lead to discomfort and energy slumps. Opt for healthy snacks and meals that provide sustained energy and improve concentration.
- Engage Your Senses: Listen to upbeat music, podcasts, or audiobook narrations to keep your mind stimulated and engaged.
- Take a Power Nap: If possible, schedule a power nap of 20-30 minutes in a safe and comfortable location, such as a rest area or secluded parking lot. This can significantly improve alertness and reduce drowsiness.
- Recruit a Co-driver: If you're travelling with someone, take turns driving so you can both get breaks and maintain alertness throughout the journey.
By incorporating these tips, you can effectively manage fatigue, stay alert while driving, and enjoy your long drives safely. Prioritising your well-being ensures a safe and pleasant journey for you and your passengers.
It's essential that you don't underestimate the impact of driving while tired on a long drive. Although it's not talked about as much as drink or drugs, driving while tired is still very dangerous.
It leads to slower reaction times, reduced alertness, and poorer decision-making. All of which increase the risk of collisions and put you and other road users in serious danger.
Think about it; when you're tired you don't notice a lot of the things going on around you. Your mind is in a daze and you just want to get some sleep. On the road, this is not what you want. One slip of the mind due to tiredness can cause serious trouble.
Driver fatigue is a bit of a grey area when it comes to the law. Unlike drink and drugs, you can't prove someone was tired behind the wheel, and if they've been in an accident, they certainly won't be tired anymore.
There isn't a specific offence of driving while tired in the UK, but if you're involved in an accident, you could be sentenced to a range of criminal offences. For example, death by dangerous driving wields a prison sentence of up to 14 years.
If you suffer from a medical condition that makes you sleepy, you must inform the DVLA of this. If not and you're involved in a crash, you could be fined up to £1,000 and be prosecuted.
Our first port of call to assess whether you are too tired to drive is to pull over (in a safe space) and think for a minute. If you're yawning, rubbing your eyes, and struggling to concentrate on the road, you're probably too fatigued to drive.
You're also too tired if you're experiencing memory lapse. If you can't remember the last few exits or the last few miles, you're getting fatigued and need to pull over.
One of the most obvious signs that you're too tired to drive is actually your driving. If you're getting impatient and tailgating the car in front, or dropping too far behind, then you need to pull over. Do the same if you're swerving in and out of lanes.
For more information, why not check out our Tips for Managing Chaos Inside the Family Car blog? We also produce a range of weekly blogs on various topics, which can be found in the blog section of our website.
Nationwide Vehicle Contracts is one of the UK's leading car leasing brokers and offers a range of leasing deals to suit every need. To find out more, check out our comprehensive car leasing guides or call one of our experts on 0345 811 9595.
