With greater volumes of autos on the highway over the Christmas interval, drivers are suggested to be extra-cautious, notably in case you’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, automobile specialists at Nationwide Scrap Automotive have partnered with Dr Lindsay Browning, a neurologist, psychologist and sleep skilled at And So To Mattress on one of the best recommendation to keep away from fatigue whereas driving and how one can relaxation safely in your automobile.
1. Keep away from driving at occasions you might be naturally going to really feel sleepy
Individuals are extra doubtless to go to sleep on the wheel when driving at occasions 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 inclined 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 occasions once we are more likely to be sleepy – equivalent to 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 at all times be obvious. Nonetheless, sure indicators, equivalent to experiencing heavy eyelids, frequent yawning, unintentionally veering onto the exhausting shoulder highway marker, or feeling like your focus is drifting, are all indicators that drowsiness could also be affecting you. Paying attention to these alerts will help you are taking immediate motion to make sure your security and that of others on the highway.
Experiencing head nods whereas driving is a robust indication of a microsleep, suggesting that you’ve got certainly briefly dozed off on the wheel! Lengthy, monotonous driving, notably on motorways, carries the next danger of drowsy driving in comparison with navigating via 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 occasions turns into obligatory, there are efficient interventions to spice up alertness for the journey. Contemplate 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 attainable, 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 will help refresh your focus and improve your alertness earlier than persevering with your drive.
4. Keep on 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. Nonetheless, it’s essential to set an alarm in your telephone to restrict the nap period, making certain it lasts not more than 15-20 minutes, or it’s possible you’ll get up feeling groggy. This fashion, you may get up refreshed and able to proceed your journey with improved focus and attentiveness.
5. Be sure to pull over in a protected house
Earlier than you cease to relaxation, you have to just be sure you 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 equivalent to an accident or breakdown. If you end up getting drained on the motorway, pull over on the nearest service station. You can too cease for a nap in a carpark so long as in a single day parking is allowed. You must avoid parking on double yellow strains to keep away from any potential points.
Moreover, it goes with out saying that you must at all times ensure 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 recent air.
