Driving a vehicle tired, drowsy or fatigued can be a danger for the driver and other road safety officers.
Although fatigue when driving can be due to various factors such as health disorders or changes in lifestyle, the consequence is unique and very dangerous: A traffic accident.
Know the risks of driving a vehicle with fatigue on board:
Tiredness when driving is a real danger for both drivers and other road safety agents: Along with stress and distractions, tiredness when driving is one of the most common causes of traffic accidents in the world (when it comes to driver attitudes).
Causes of fatigue behind the wheel:
Drastic changes in the person’s sleeping habits (not sleeping or sleeping less than usual can cause drowsiness when driving).
Habitual use of drugs or alcohol. Consumption of sleeping pills or other drugs that cause drowsiness (such as anxiolytics and antidepressants).
Driving a vehicle for more than 4 hours in a row without a break (especially on road trips).
Medications that cure certain diseases cause drowsiness and fatigue as a side effect. That is why it is dangerous to drive a vehicle while taking these medications. Some of these may be for the treatment of: thyroid diseases, diabetes, sleep apnea, chronic fatigue, anemia, anxiety, depression, stress and other physical and mental illnesses can also cause extreme tiredness in a person. Driving a vehicle when the ambient temperature is high is known to cause tiredness and fatigue in many people. The high volume of traffic also contributes to extreme fatigue and the often aggressive mood of drivers. Driving after eating a lot or without adequate hydration also generates that feeling of fatigue in drivers.
What are the signs of a exhausted driver?
It is normal that after a day of work or study we are exhausted: even the most sedentary work can cause fatigue and sleep. But when we drive in extreme conditions of fatigue we can present some signs that should alert us to avoid any mishap. The most common signs of tiredness while driving are: Difficulty concentrating while driving, constant blinking, blurred vision, and numbness in the arms and legs. Also, the fatigued driver may present restless and constant movements (moving the seat, changing the volume of the radio, the air conditioning level, etc.), not respecting the traffic signs (passing red lights, stop signs, bumps, etc.) and not controlling the vehicle’s progress (irregular acceleration and braking, traveling at an inappropriate speed, having trouble cornering, zigzagging, etc.).
A fatigued driver can also experience moments of violence, irritability and sudden movements behind the wheel. You can cut yourself off, yell at other drivers, and be aggressive in the face of slow traffic or other driving conditions. Here are some recommendations to make your driving spaces safe moments for you and those around you:
If you notice that when driving your vehicle you feel fatigue, we recommend:
If you are going to drive on the road, it is advisable to get adequate rest the night before the trip. Do not drink alcohol 48 hours before, and during it, for every two hours, hydrate, perform limb stretches, and switch with another driver when you feel that you are not able to continue driving. If you take control medications, check that these are not contraindicated for driving a vehicle because of their side effects (drowsiness, fatigue, etc.).
Avoid driving between 3 and 5 in the morning and 1 and 3 in the afternoon. According to studies, these are the times when human beings feel most fatigued throughout the day due to a phenomenon called chronobiological rhythm, which shows that concentration at these times of the day is minimal. When you feel too fatigued to drive, don’t drive. You prefer to take public transportation or ask another driver for help. Avoid driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Likewise, avoid driving with a hangover because this also generates common feelings of discomfort such as excessive tiredness. When it comes to driving, a driver’s attitude is just as important as the condition of his vehicle and other environmental factors. Consult your doctor when tiredness and fatigue interfere with your quality of life and when driving a vehicle, as fatigue can be a symptom of diseases such as anemia, hypothyroidism, etc.
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