LOW RISK DRIVING

F.35 Long-distance Driving - the fatigue factor

Every year during the holiday periods accidents caused by fatigue claim numerous lives. Optimistic travellers, planning their holiday trip, often misjudge how far they can safely travel without a break. After two hours behind the wheel, tiredness starts to affect safe driving.

Here are the 4 factors, which lead to crashes, driving too long, too far in one stretch:

Lower concentration level Not thinking, the mind is elsewhere.

Slower reaction Too slow to react in an emergency.

Misjudging speed and distances Not reading the speedometer carefully.

Impaired hazard perception Not looking ahead for danger.

Here's how to minimize the risk:

Plan your rest stops ... and overnights to allow for a relaxed journey

Every two hours pull over, have a drink, a snack and light exercise

Change drivers frequently, if another is available

Stop when you start to feel drowsy. Nothing but a nap will refresh you to be safe!

Avoid driving through the night. If unavoidable, take these additional precautions:

If possible, have a passenger stay awake beside you, to keep you alert.

Have a window open to keep fresh air flowing and the heater on low.

Fresh air in the cabin is vital when a number of people are travelling together in a small car. As the oxygen gets depleted, the air turns stuffy, the driver gets drowsy very quickly.

At the first sign of feeling sleepy, sound the alarm bells and stop the vehicle. You cannot afford to nod off, even for one second. A 15-minute powernap will refresh you sufficiently to continue safely.

Feeling DROWSY? STOP the vehicle. Have a SLEEP (in that order!)

Disclaimer: Above information could vary in your part of the world. We take no responsibility for any accidents or failed driving tests, even if the advise in this book has been followed. We recommend you use above information in conjunction with a professional driving instructor. Site copyright ©driving-school.com.au 2001 / Reviewed July 2010	Here is a little test to remember what you have learned. Firstly, answer the True / False question. Secondly, using the letter beside the correct answer, form a word. All answers are on this page!
	T> E	Fatigue starts after approximately two hours of driving.	F> T
	T> X	Concentration, reaction, hazard perception all diminish somewhat when driving tired.	F> O
	T> O	Driving right through the night is best because there is less traffic on the road.	F> P
	T> E	A snack and a little exercise every two hours refreshes a tired motorist.	F> O
	T> O	Loud music in the car will stop a driver from falling asleep at the wheel.	F> C
	T> T	Lack of fresh air in a vehicle may make the driver drowsy.	T> R