Fatigue reduces a driver’s reaction time, vigilance, alertness and concentration. It impairs the ability of a driver performing important decision-making tasks.
One in five of all crashes on major roads are caused by tired drivers, resulting in around 300 deaths every year.
Any driver travelling long distances or when they are tired is at risk of falling asleep behind the wheel.
The majority of fatigue related collisions occur in the early hours of the morning or the middle of the afternoon, and on long journeys, particularly on motorways.
If you fall asleep at the wheel and you crash, your injuries are likely to be very severe, if not fatal, as you will be unable to take any action prior to the crash.
- The effects of driver fatigue
- The consequences of falling asleep behind the wheel
- Warning signals
- To prevent fatigue at the wheel
Think! – Don’t drive tired road safety advert