With increased volumes of automobiles on the street over the Christmas interval, drivers are suggested to be extra-cautious, significantly for those who’re driving when feeling drained.
Final yr noticed a near-fatal crash happen on the M60 on Christmas Day, following a driver reportedly falling asleep behind the wheel, after working a 12-hour shift.
In gentle of this, car specialists at Nationwide Scrap Automobile have partnered with Dr Lindsay Browning, a neurologist, psychologist and sleep professional at And So To Mattress on the perfect recommendation to keep away from fatigue whereas driving and methods to relaxation safely in your car.
1. Keep away from driving at instances you might be naturally going to really feel sleepy
Persons are extra probably to go to sleep on the wheel when driving at instances when their physique (their circadian rhythm) thinks they need to be asleep – particularly within the early hours of the morning (2-6 am) or simply after lunch (2-4 pm) once we are likely to have a second dip in alertness.
One of the best ways to keep away from falling asleep on the wheel is to keep away from driving at instances once we are more likely to be sleepy – reminiscent of avoiding driving within the early hours of the morning or simply after lunch.
2. Look out for fatigue signs
Recognising fatigue whereas driving may be difficult, as it might not all the time be obvious. Nonetheless, sure indicators, reminiscent of experiencing heavy eyelids, frequent yawning, unintentionally veering onto the exhausting shoulder street marker, or feeling like your focus is drifting, are all indicators that drowsiness could also be affecting you. Paying attention to these alerts may help you’re taking immediate motion to make sure your security and that of others on the street.
Experiencing head nods whereas driving is a powerful indication of a microsleep, suggesting that you’ve got certainly briefly dozed off on the wheel! Lengthy, monotonous driving, significantly on motorways, carries the next danger of drowsy driving in comparison with navigating by way of cities and winding roads.
3. Take a quick nap and caffeine
In conditions the place car-sharing choices are unavailable, and driving throughout probably drowsy instances turns into vital, there are efficient interventions to spice up alertness for the journey. Take into account incorporating brief naps and caffeine consumption to remain extra attentive.
If you end up feeling drained or sleepy whereas driving, it’s essential to prioritise security. When potential, pull over at a service station and buy a big espresso. Eat the espresso after which recline your automobile seat to permit your self a quick nap. This mixture of caffeine and relaxation may help refresh your focus and improve your alertness earlier than persevering with your drive.
4. Stick with a 15-20 minute nap solely
Taking a 15-20 minute nap can present a refreshing enhance and assist alleviate drowsiness. Furthermore, throughout this timeframe, any consumed caffeine would have began to take impact, additional enhancing your alertness. Nevertheless, it’s essential to set an alarm in your cellphone to restrict the nap length, making certain it lasts not more than 15-20 minutes, or it’s possible you’ll get up feeling groggy. This fashion, you possibly can get up refreshed and able to proceed your journey with improved focus and attentiveness.
5. Ensure you pull over in a protected area
Earlier than you cease to relaxation, you want to just remember to are parked legally and in a protected place. By no means cease for a break on the exhausting shoulder of a motorway, these are for emergencies solely reminiscent of an accident or breakdown. If you end up getting drained on the motorway, pull over on the nearest service station. You may also cease for a nap in a parking lot so long as in a single day parking is allowed. You must keep away from parking on double yellow traces to keep away from any potential points.
Moreover, it goes with out saying that it’s best to all the time be certain your automobile doorways are locked and ensure your engine is switched off earlier than taking a relaxation. You may additionally wish to open a window barely so that you get some contemporary air.
