Driver fatigue is a road hazard that often goes unaddressed. Yet, those who can recognize the signs of driver fatigue in themselves and others can address this problem before it leads to collisions and accidents.  

What Is Driver Fatigue?

Driver fatigue refers to a condition in which a driver feels extremely tired and worn down behind the wheel. In this instance, your reaction times slow down, you're less aware of road hazards, and your driving becomes more erratic. Worst of all, you put yourself and others at risk of collisions and accidents. The National Safety Council (NSC) notes the impact of driver fatigue is often similar to that of driving under the influence of alcohol. In fact, NSC points out that driving after going more than 20 hours without sleep has the same effect as driving with a blood-alcohol concentration of 0.08% — the U.S. legal limit.

Fatigue Driving Facts You Need to Know

Driver fatigue is a major problem in the United States — consider the following fatigue driving facts from NSC:

• Fatigued drivers are 3x more likely than all other drivers to be involved in a car crash.
• Fatigued drivers often do not even realize that they are driving tired.
• Fatigued drivers may experience periods of "micro-sleep" while they're on the road.

Driver fatigue impacts drivers, passengers, and pedestrians. Together, these individuals can reduce the risk of collisions and accidents caused by fatigued drivers.

How to Avoid Driver Fatigue

With a proactive approach to driver fatigue, you can identify this issue in yourself and others before it's too late. Now, let's look at eight tips to help you recognize and address driver fatigue.

1. Watch for Driver Fatigue Symptoms

Common symptoms of driver fatigue include:

• Yawning frequently
• Drifting in and out of road lanes
• Difficulty keeping your eyes open
• Trouble keeping your head up
• Missing road turns, exits, or signs
• Braking frequently
• Hitting rumble strips

If you or someone you know displays signs of driver fatigue, take action. If you're feeling tired while driving, pull off the road whenever possible. You can also ask a friend or family member to take over for you behind the wheel. Or, if you're the passenger in a car driven by a drowsy driver, share your driver fatigue concerns with him or her. You can even offer to take over driving responsibilities while the fatigued driver can rest and relax in the passenger seat.

2. Get a Good Night's Rest

If you know you're going to be on the road for an extended period of time, it often helps to get a good night's sleep the night before your trip. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends adults between the ages of 18 and 60 years old sleep a minimum of seven hours per night. Take the CDC's sleep recommendation to heart, and you can wake up feeling refreshed and ready to drive safely.

3. Use Caffeine for a Short-Term Boost

Coffee, tea, and other caffeinated beverages sometimes provide a short-term boost to combat driver fatigue symptoms. If you find yourself struggling to stay focused while driving, it may be beneficial to stop at a convenience store or restaurant and pick up a caffeinated beverage. Then, drink your caffeinated beverage, and wait a few minutes to let caffeine take effect. Once you feel more alert, you can continue to drive.

4. Take a Short Nap

A long trip may seem endless, particularly if you're struggling with driver fatigue. But, it sometimes helps to stop at a rest area to take a 15- to 20-minute nap. If you have a long journey ahead, you can always stay at a hotel to sleep for the night, too.

5. Avoid Alcohol or Medications That Can Make You Feel Sleepy

Alcohol should be avoided if you plan to drive — without exception. Meanwhile, you should also stay away from medications that can make you feel sleepy. If you require medications that may make you feel tired, arrange for someone else to drive you where you need to go.

6. Install a Driver Fatigue Alert System

Driver fatigue alert systems are now available, and they represent the next wave of safe driving technology. By installing a driver fatigue alert system in your car, you can receive a warning any time you start to show signs of driver fatigue on the road. That way, you can minimize the risk of a driver fatigue-related collision or accident.

7. Drive with Friends and Family Members

Driving with friends and family members is often more enjoyable than driving alone. Plus, friends and family members can take over driving responsibilities any time you feel fatigued. On the other hand, you can always offer to handle driving responsibilities if a friend or family member feels tired behind the wheel.

8. Schedule Regular Breaks Throughout a Road Trip

Generally, it helps to schedule breaks approximately every two hours during a road trip. This allows you to get out of your car, stretch your arms and legs, grab food and drinks, and avoid driver fatigue. It also enables you to recharge, refocus on the task at hand, and ensure that you are well-equipped to drive to your final destination. When it comes to driver fatigue, it is usually a good idea to proceed with caution. Use these tips, and you can identify and address driver fatigue — and help others do the same. This blog post was contributed by Fix Auto Ontario, a leading industry expert and collision repair shop servicing the Ontario community and southwestern San Bernardino County.