Driver fatigue
Driver fatigue is a condition that occurs when a person exhibits the signs of fatigue while driving. Drivers who suffer from these symptoms can often fall asleep at the wheel, or experience significantly reduced judgment and reaction time. This fatigue is continually a major factor in car accidents.[1]
Symptoms
Driver fatigue has many easily recognizable symptoms. Even drivers who don't feel tired or who think they can continue driving may exhibit these signs without realizing it. These symptoms include[2]
- frequent yawning
- failing to keep your vehicle within road lines
- daydreaming while driving
- experiencing objects jump out at you: this surprise at approaching objects is a direct result of a driver's decreased reaction time and awareness levels
- heavy eyelids
- accelerating and decelerating without reasonable cause
- "micro-naps" - brief periods of 4–5 seconds where a driver's brain is completely asleep[3]
Associated Dangers
According to scientific studies, "driver fatigue causes 40-percent of commercial truck accidents."[4] The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) estimates that 56,000 fatigue and sleep related crashes occur every year, resulting in over 1500 fatalities.[2] Other estimates place the number much higher at around 100,000.[4]
Prevention and Related Myths
Driver fatigue can easily be prevented by getting enough sleep each night. The average adult requires 7–8 hours of sleep every night to fully function during the day,[5] By failing to sleep for this minimum requirement, a person (and driver) may begin to accumulate a sleep debt,[3][5] which may contribute to his fatigue in the future, even on days when the minimum sleep threshold for functionality is met. Although some people try drinking coffee, listening to music, opening their windows, and other tricks to stay awake, the U.S. Department of Transportation considers these tips ineffective at best, and harmful for the false sense of security they provide drivers.[3] The best way to avoid driver fatigue is to sleep a healthy amount each night. Teenagers, especially young drivers, often need around 9 hours to fully function.[5]