Have you ever felt drowsy while driving? If the answer is yes, read on…
You do not have to be tired to fall asleep. Even drivers who are well rested can become drowsy at certain times of the day. Our biological clock makes us particularly susceptible to tiredness in the early hours of the morning and at mid-afternoon.
Some medicines and alcohol can greatly reduce a driver’s ability to stay awake.
Research has shown that:
- There is no excuse for dozing off – we are always aware that we are becoming drowsy and always have time to react.
- It is impossible to force yourself to stay awake. Even the thought of being in a collision, is not enough to stop you falling asleep.
- Opening windows, turning up the volume on the radio or simply getting out of the car have very little effect.
- Plan your journey to include a break of at least 15 minutes in every 2 hours.
- At the first signs of drowsiness pull off the road at a safe place (not the hard shoulder of a motorway). Do not be tempted to keep going.
The safest solution is not to continue with the journey until you have had a proper rest. If you have only a short way to go you may get temporary relief by…
- First drinking two cups of coffee (not de-caffeinated) or a high caffeine drink.
- Then taking a short nap – 10-15 minutes only – longer may make you feel even sleepier.