Drowsy Driving: Causes and How to Avoid It

Below are some of the most common signs of drowsy driving. If you recognize any of them while driving, try to pull off the road and get some rest before continuing.

• Missing road signs
• Slow reactions
• Tired, sore or heavy eyes
• Daydreaming
• Struggling to stay in the lane
• Troubles changing gear
• Yawning
• Poor concentration
• Drowsiness
• Blurred vision
• Dim/fuzzy vision

If you find yourself having a hard time staying in your lane – pull off the road.

Not sleeping for 17 hours has the same effect on driving as a BAC of 0.05 and not sleeping for 24 hours has the same effect as a BAC of 0.10.

When Does Driver Fatigue Normally Happen?

• When you drive soon after waking up. You have a high risk of fatigue during the first 30 minutes after waking up.
• If you’re driving when you would normally be sleeping (e.g. 10 pm – 6 am). Your blood pressure and temperature fall during these hours, which impairs your ability to perform tasks (this is part of your natural sleep pattern and there is nothing you can do about it). Crash risk is much higher during these hours.
• When you have been awake for longer than usual. The risk increases greatly after being awake for 17 hours.
• When you haven’t had enough sleep, you can acquire a ‘sleep debt’ that can only be repaid by sleeping.
• When you have been driving non-stop for a long time. The longer you drive, the higher the risk of fatigue.

You’re at higher risk of becoming fatigued if driving at night.

How to Avoid Drowsy Driving

• Don’t drive when tired!
• Drive with a companion – that way you can switch drivers every once in a while.
• Schedule regular stops (e.g. 15 minutes every 2 hours).
• Avoid driving just after waking up. Your body won’t have adjusted fully.
• Don’t take alcohol and/or medications to become more alert. It will have the opposite effect.