Driver fatigue is ranked as one of the major causes of road accidents. However, unlike driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol, it is difficult to prosecute a driver who causes an accident as a result of being fatigued. Unless more is done to promote safer driver behaviour, not only will more lives be lost, but many innocent people will suffer huge financial losses too.
This is according to Lizette Erasmus, Head: Insurance services at IntegriSure, who says South Africa has one of the highest accident rates in the world, and though insurance is often seen as a grudge purchase, it is a necessity if you want to protect yourself against a claim or have cover in place in the event that an accident that is not your fault occurs.
Emotional stress, illness, boredom or sun glare, a major factor in eyestrain, can all contribute to fatigue. Overeating, or travelling in an overheated vehicle can compound the effects.
Furthermore, research published by the Department of Planning, Transport and Infrastructure in Australia has shown that not sleeping for more than 17 hours has an effect on driving ability the same as a Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) of 0.05. Not sleeping for 24 hours has the same effect of having a BAC of 0.10, double the legal limit.
“Fatigue can cause a driver to drift across to the incorrect side of the road and collide with another vehicle. Unexpected events on the road, like a pedestrian crossing the road without looking out for traffic or a vehicle slamming on brakes right in front of you, needs quick thinking and fast action. This is something you cannot do when you are tired,” explains Erasmus.
“Insurers carry noteworthy risks as a result of these accidents. Only a third of vehicles on our roads are comprehensive insured and when accidents on our roads increase, the amount paid out in terms of claims increases too. The result is that those who are insured face paying even higher premiums,” explains Erasmus.
If you don't get enough sleep you go into sleep debt and you owe yourself more sleep. The only way to repay this debt is by sleeping. Until you catch up on your sleep, you will have a greater risk of having a fatigue related crash.
Erasmus offers further tips motorists can be aware of particularly when driving long distances:
• Get enough quality sleep (at least six hours) before you begin driving;
• The worst time to begin a long distance trip is after work, at night or very early morning;
• Try not to travel for more than eight to ten hours each day;
• Take regular 15 minute breaks at least every two hours, stretch your legs and get fresh air;
• If possible, share the driving;
• Eat well balanced meals at your usual meal times and avoid fatty foods, which can make you feel sleepy.
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