Fatal Driving Fatigue

Many people drive on a daily basis and yet fail to recognise the silent dangers of driver fatigue! Many motorists are often prepared to disregard the onset of fatigue whilst driving in order to reach their destination! Many drivers are unaware that driving whilst tired can be as dangerous as driving a vehicle after having consumed alcohol!

Research into fatigue has demonstrated it can be potentially fatal whilst driving! To suffer an increase in the effects of driver fatigue means your ability to drive safely is affected - a driver's mental and physical performance can quickly deteriorate until the driver unknowingly falls asleep.

My role as a chauffeur (see www.rapidexec.com specializing in transferring corporate clients on long distance journeys across the United Kingdom) combines the physical and mental tasks of driving safely, whilst consciously monitoring my energy levels and adhering to a number of simple procedures to ensure I minimize the risk of driver fatigue.

So, for you to minimize the risk of driver fatigue here are some professional procedures you may wish to consider:

1. A fresh start - before you embark on a long journey get plenty of rest and make sure you are not dehydrated; if you feel tired or unwell then do not drive

2. Wear clothing which is comfortable and suitable for driving

3. The driving seat should be adjusted to an upright position - a good way of checking the driving seat is in the correct position is to ensure the base of your wrists can make contact with the top of the steering wheel

4. Set the heating and air conditioning to a cool temperature

5. Maintaining alertness - depending on the driving, traffic and weather conditions, take a break every 1 to 2 hours

6. Park the car somewhere safe and go for a short walk - get the blood pumping into those legs which have been sat for a couple of hours

7. Consume a caffeine rich beverage such as coffee or a high energy drink

8. The onset of fatigue - act swiftly and do not attempt to drive through fatigue! Do not turn the volume up on the radio, avoid opening the window for air or setting the aircon to its lowest temperature in the belief that these will prevent you from drifting off ... they dont

9. Locate a safe place to stop and take at least 20 minutes to take a short nap; get some fresh air and do some exercise; drink a beverage with a high caffeine content

10. After a short sleep and once you feel awake then continue with your journey however be aware you will have to stop again soon. If you still feel tired then sleep until you are ready and safe enough to continue to your onward destination

We all suffer from fatigue and its unavoidable ... it is a natural biological condition.

So, on your next long drive remember to factor the management of fatigue into your driving agenda.

Until next time ... safe driving.

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