subject: Dozy Drivers Sleep Deprivation And Driving [print this page] Tiredness can killTiredness can kill. Take a break. Every day the signs whizz past, but how many drivers really pay due care and heed the warning? Tiredness can affect the body in a number of ways including lack of concentration, difficultly focussing, seriously impaired judgement and reaction time (figures note that a large percentage of seriously fatigued drivers fail to respond with the emergency brake technique in the case of a crash) and physical weakness. Driving offences caused by drowsy drivers number amongst some of the UKs most common contact motoring offences i.e. crashes.
Driving offences caused by poor judgement through tiredness tend to be more prevalent during the winter months. Less sunlight makes it a little more difficult to wake up on those dark mornings, easier to lull into a trance-like state under the uniform orange glow of the street lights. Early darkness tells the circadian rhythms that the end of the day is close. Around 40% of all accidents happen whilst people are driving to or from work, making alertness at these times of day vital.
The top advice from police, motoring solicitors and the DVLA is basically common sense. Taking regular breaks that involve getting out of the car to stretch helps to maintain circulation and can provide an element of revitalisation to the body. Its all too easy for the mind to wander, particularly on long, repetitive motorway trips. Regular breaks help the mind to stay focussed, improving concentration and reaction. Conscientious drivers should be aware of the symptoms of serious fatigue drowsiness, lack of concentration and so on and respond accordingly i.e. pull over when its safe.
When the eyes start to feel heavy, the mind wanders and physical attention dwindles, its certainly time to stop. After all, tiredness can kill, so take a break.
