Baylor > Wellness > Presentations > Sleep Deprivation > Fatigue Driving

Fatigue Driving

Fatigue Driving is an actual condition which can impair the person's ability to drive. Some have likened Fatigue Driving to Drunk Driving. This condition slows down the alertness and response time, which increases the driver's chance of getting into an accident

Symptoms and Warning Signs of Drivers Fatigue:

  • Daydreaming while on the road
  • Driving over the center lane
  • Excessive yawning
  • Feeling impatient
  • Having a difficult time concentrating
  • Heavy eyes
  • Irritability
  • Overall sleepy, groggy, or exhausted feeling
  • Reacting slowly
  • Yawning frequently

Who suffers from Drivers Fatigue?

Driver's fatigue is a possible concern for anyone who drive a motor vehicle. Sleep deprivation increases the likelihood of suffering from Drivers Fatigue. People ages 16-29 have are more susceptible of Drivers Fatigue. A person who is a shift worker, and who has a job that is stressful or during unnatural sleeping hours may make a person more likely to suffer from Drivers Fatigue. There are more Drivers Fatigue related accidents on country road compared to the road in a city.

What are the high risk times of day for Drivers Fatigue?

There are certain parts of the day where a person experiences high and lows in energy. Drivers experience more lows, and are more prone to suffer from Drivers Fatigue between the 1:00pm and 4:00pm time frame, and the 10:00pm-6:00am time frame.

How does a person prevent Drivers Fatigue?

  • Avoid alcohol, large meals, and medications which make you tired
  • Establish a realistic driving plan. It is recommended that drivers take a break every two hours or 200 miles.
  • Stay hydrated, get fresh air, and incorporate any environmental stimuli
  • Share driving when possible, and try to rest while you are not driving
  • The number one way to prevent Drivers Fatigue is to get sleep. The minimum amount of sleep that a person should receive a night is six hours.