Driver fatigue: How to spot the early warning signs
Know the symptoms of driver fatigue before you hit the road for the Easter long weekendin 2024, 23 people were killed in transport accidents on Australian roads over the Easter long weekend alone, making the holiday period one of the most dangerous times to be driving.
“This is due to a higher volume of traffic than normal as more people hit the road on longer journeys to loved ones or on holiday to explore new destinations interstate,” according to general manager at Right2Drive, Blake Parker.
Speeding, alcohol and illicit drugs, failure to wear a seatbelt, distraction and fatigue are also major contributors, the latter being the cause of an estimated 30 per cent of major road accidents in Australia annually.
“Driving for a long period can impact concentration due to the lack of stimulation,” says Parker. It can also affect your judgement and slow your reaction time, making fatigue as dangerous as drink driving.
While there is no substitute for sleep, Parker suggests being vigilant and looking for early signs of fatigue so you can pull over and take a break.
Here are five early signs of fatigue to watch out for:
Sore or heavy eyes
Among the first signs of driver fatigue is the feeling of heavy or tired eyelids.
“Many people may experience unintentional periods of sleep, also known as ‘microsleeps’ while driving – heavy eyes, yawning and difficulty concentrating are all signs of drowsiness to be aware of," says Parker.
If you notice yourself or someone else behind the wheel starting to doze off, you should take immediate action to prevent a major collision.
“One way to combat microsleep driving is to pull over as soon as you can in a safe location and take at least 15 to 30 minutes to rest, stretch and get movements in your body,” he says.
If you experience drowsiness and difficulty keeping your eyes open before you set off, do not begin your journey. This can greatly affect your general awareness and put you and others at risk.
A delay in reaction time
When driving while fatigued, the quality and accuracy of your driving can also dramatically drop, leading to a considerable delay or slowed reaction time which can prevent drivers from being able to respond to changing conditions on the road.
If you notice that your reaction time is slower, Parker says to remain calm but alert,
while maintaining a safe distance and speed to anticipate any potential hazard and pulling over as soon as it is safe to do so.
Drifting in lanes
“When you are experiencing fatigue, it is much harder to control your vehicle and you may find yourself veering into another lane. This poses a major risk to other road users and increases your chances of having an accident,” says Parker.
If you find yourself drifting in between lanes, slow down your speed, get your vehicle under control and then find a safe place to stop.
“If you notice another driver veering in between lanes unnaturally, stay on guard and maintain a safe distance,” he says.
Variation in driving speed
“Tiredness can make you lose focus. You may not be aware that you’re driving under the speed limit or breaking road rules and driving above it,” says Parker.
Driving erratically can easily lead to accidents as it makes it difficult for other road users to anticipate what you’re planning to do.
“If you are a passenger and you start to notice that the driver is driving at varied speeds, check up on them and speak up to let them know,” he says.
Minimal driver stimulation and loss of concentration
Driving for long periods, especially for more than two hours at a time without a break can impact your concentration.
“This is particularly true if you have been driving for long distances on motorways or stretches of straight roads,” Parker says.
“You may experience a loss of concentration as the lack of stimulation can make drivers more susceptible to tiredness.”
It is important to take regular breaks, at least every 2 hours. If you notice any signs of fatigue, pull over when it is safe to do so and take a break.
Related: Top tips for travelling on a budget this Easter
Related: Top tips for staying safer on the roads this Easter
Related: The reality of driving fatigue: Tell-tale signs you need to pull over
Join the conversation at our Facebook page
Or email us at editor@carsales.com.au
Please see our Editorial Guidelines & Code of Ethics (including for more information about sponsored content and paid events). The information published on this website is of a general nature only and doesn’t consider your particular circumstances or needs.
