WORLD SLEEP DAY: Experts provide top tips to concur the perils of driving tired
Motoring experts Leasing Options are using today’s World Sleep Day as a way to educate motorists on how to avoid driving tired.
Driving doesn’t mix with alcohol or drugs but driving while tired is a much less taboo but equally as dangerous condition to drive in. Motorway signs reading ‘Tiredness can kill, take a break’ are there for good reason, as road safety charity Break found 20% of crashes taking place in the UK are due to fatigue.
Mike Thompson, Chief Operating Officer at Leasing Options, explained: “With World Sleep Day on 17 March, it’s a good time to start a conversation about the dangers of driving while drowsy.
“Not only will nodding off at the wheel cause a serious accident, tiredness has also been strongly associated with slower reaction times, meaning you could fail to stop quick enough if any other hazards come into your way.
“Motorists should look for warning signs such as yawning and feeling the need to rub tired eyes as a tell tale sign that they may be too tired to drive, especially on long journeys.”
With this in mind, Leasing Options has revealed top tips for drivers to follow to avoid driving while tired:
Assess tiredness levels before you set off
Before you set off, check whether you’re showing any signs of tiredness. Did you get enough sleep the night before and has this led to yawning and tired, itchy eyes? If you are, check if there’s a way you can avoid taking the journey. If you’re heading for a meeting, can this be done at home, or if you have an appointment to make can this be rearranged?
Don’t begin a trip so late that you’re driving when you usually sleep
Driving at times when you would normally be asleep brings extra risk so avoid starting a journey if it crosses over with your usual sleep time. Driving during your usual ‘sleep window’ can cause overwhelming feelings of tiredness behind the wheel.
Take a comfort break
At the first sign of tiredness behind the wheel, stop and take a break at your nearest, safest place to do so like a service station. Drink two cups of coffee or any other caffeinated drink and take a short, 15-20 minute nap before setting off again. Avoid any heavy meals over your break, as this can cause you to feel drowsy. If you’re driving a long journey, it’s recommended that drivers take a comfort break roughly every 2 hours or so.
Don’t drive long distance alone
If you can avoid it, don’t embark on long journeys alone. Having another person in the car allows for regular check-ins and means that, if both of you are insured, you can take turns to drive.
