Driver Fatigue

Signs include yawning, heavy eyelids, drifting in the lane and missing road signs. Risk is higher at night, in the early morning and in the early afternoon. Microsleeps can last a few seconds without the driver noticing. A short nap of about fifteen to twenty minutes after a coffee can help on a long trip.

Lack of sleep and long monotonous drives reduce alertness and can lead to brief sleeps at the wheel.

Plan a break at least every two hours on long journeys. Opening the window or turning up the radio does not cure tiredness; only rest does.