Get some rest before a long trip

SOUTH Coasters travelling to holiday destinations over the upcoming festive season are urged to get at least seven hours sleep before an early morning road trip. Driver tiredness is a major cause of car accidents.

According to research, 20 percent of car accidents are caused by fatigue. Previous estimates attributed fatigue to only two to three percent of accidents.

In the study, driver behaviour just prior to an accident was observed for the first time. In 20 percent of all accidents and 16 percent of all near accidents, the driver was showing signs of fatigue.

The researchers observed eye-lid closure, head bobbing, severe loss of facial musculature, and micro-sleep, which is when the eyes drift shut and then pop open again.

Although the study revealed that 18 to 20 year-olds account for most fatigue-related accidents, older drivers can also succumb to sleepiness on the road due to late nights and early morning starts.

In Africa, the problem is thought to be even more pronounced: anecdotal evidence suggests that as many as 60 percent of truck accidents may be due to driver tiredness.

Over the 2012 festive season, driver fatigue was touted to be one of the top causes of road accidents, prompting the Western Cape Traffic authority to implement its controversial ‘fatigue management programme’.

Traffic officers pulling over motorists had the authority to force drivers to rest if they seemed fatigued.

Though typically associated with long-distance driving, fatigue can set in after a long day at work or a late night out. Emotional stress, illness, boredom and sun glare can also cause fatigue.

Motorists are urged to get at least seven hours sleep before a long-distance trip, and to avoid travelling during their body’s downtime, which for most people is between 2am and 6am.

If you find yourself battling to keep your eyes open, day dreaming, or swerving into the centre of the road or onto the verge, find a safe place to stop and rest, or let another capable driver take over.

If you are fatigued, you should not be behind the wheel of a car.

Rather postpone the rest of your trip or ask someone else to take over until you are rested.

Also, don’t fool yourself that you can stay awake and alert through sheer determination.

Do not underestimate the impact that being tired has on your ability to drive safely.

Here’s some practical advice:

· Get at least seven hours of quality sleep before you leave on your journey.

· Wear good quality sunglasses.

· Eat a decent meal before you head out. Something nutritious and energising but not too heavy.

· If driving long distance, plan your trip to incorporate a 20-minute break every two hours. There are plenty of petrol station rest stops along the major routes.

· Do some walking during your break.

· Stay hydrated during your journey.

· Share the driving with another responsible driver.

· Try to avoid driving when you would normally be asleep.

· Do not consume alcohol before or during your drive.