Driving Exhausted a Common Cause of Road Crashes—UK Safety Group

microsleep

In 2018, Metro Manila endured around 50 road crash incidents every single day according to the Metro Manila Accident Reporting and Analysis System (MMARAS), averaging one fatality per day.

Based on MMARAS data, human error is the top cause of these road mishaps, which the agency defines as the different forms of negligence and distractions faced by a driver that leads to road crashes.

One example of human error is driving exhausted.

When one drives a vehicle while extremely tired or fatigued, there’s the risk of delayed response, inattentiveness, falling asleep at the wheel, losing control of the vehicle, and making bad decisions on the road.

©blog.motoringassist.com

GEM Motoring Assist, a UK-based road safety and breakdown recovery organization, said that drivers that are tired comprised a significant number on the road crash incidents in their country.

“Exhausted drivers pose a significant safety threat, to themselves, to their passengers and to others who share the same road space,” GEM road safety officer Neil Worth commented.

“Fatigue is a major contributory factor in around 20 percent of road crashes, particularly in the early hours of the morning. However, on long, monotonous stretches of motorway it’s likely that a much greater proportion of collisions will be fatigue-related.”

The group urged drivers to be aware of the dangers of fatigue while driving. The risks are particularly high among those who drive for their work, says GEM, as they are likely to be at the wheel for long periods, or with tight deadlines to meet in the course of a day.

“Collisions occur when an exhausted driver fails to respond quickly and safely if a dangerous situation arises. These collisions are typically around 50 per cent more likely to result in death or serious injury, as the driver is unable to take avoiding action to reduce severity of an impact,” Worth added.

GEM provided these tips to help any driver reduce the risk of being in a fatigue-related collision.

    • Preventing fatigue is more helpful than having to deal with it, so ensure you get a good night’s sleep before heading off on a long trip.
    • Don’t drive for more than eight to ten hours in a day. Aim to share the driving if possible.
    • Take regular breaks – a break of at least 15 minutes after every two hours or every 100 miles (161 kms) is recommended.
    • Don’t drink alcohol before your trip. Even a small amount can significantly contribute to driver fatigue.
    • Avoid driving at times when you’d usually be sleeping.
    • If you feel you’re becoming drowsy, consider pulling over somewhere safe (and legal) to take a 15 minute power nap.

Also read: 5 Safety Tips for Driving Near and Around Trucks
6 Important Safety Tips for Female Drivers

Read All

Featured Articles

Recommended Articles For You

Read All

Car Articles From Zigwheels

  • News
  • Article Feature
  • Advisory Stories
  • Road Test
  • ACMobility guarantees worry-free electrified mobility EV models, charging hubs
    ACMobility guarantees worry-free electrified mobility EV models, charging hubs
    Ruben Manahan IV . Mar 28, 2024
  • LTO announces DL renewal schedule, to commence after Holy Week
    LTO announces DL renewal schedule, to commence after Holy Week
    Paulo Papa . Mar 28, 2024
  • GAC Motor PH to reveal Emkoo Hybrid
    GAC Motor PH to reveal Emkoo Hybrid
    Ruben Manahan IV . Mar 27, 2024
  • Toyota PH offers emergency roadside assistance for Lenten season anew
    Toyota PH offers emergency roadside assistance for Lenten season anew
    Paulo Papa . Mar 27, 2024
  • Honda Cars PH reactivates HEAT for Holy Week
    Honda Cars PH reactivates HEAT for Holy Week
    Paulo Papa . Mar 27, 2024
  • Brembo: an ideal choice for discerning Filipino car owners
    Brembo: an ideal choice for discerning Filipino car owners
    Paulo Papa . Mar 26, 2024
  • Flyweight feud: Suzuki S-Presso AGS vs. Honda Brio V CVT
    Flyweight feud: Suzuki S-Presso AGS vs. Honda Brio V CVT
    Paulo Papa . Mar 20, 2024
  • Cabin check: What’s inside the BYD Atto 3
    Cabin check: What’s inside the BYD Atto 3
    Paulo Papa . Mar 19, 2024
  • Midsize SUV battle: Hyundai Santa Fe vs. Ford Everest
    Midsize SUV battle: Hyundai Santa Fe vs. Ford Everest
    Paulo Papa . Mar 14, 2024
  • Hyundai Santa Fe: 6 seductive colors
    Hyundai Santa Fe: 6 seductive colors
    Paulo Papa . Mar 12, 2024
  • Here are some ideal destinations and safety tips for the upcoming Holy Week
    Here are some ideal destinations and safety tips for the upcoming Holy Week
    Paulo Papa . Mar 08, 2024
  • Here are some New Year’s resolutions for car owners
    Here are some New Year’s resolutions for car owners
    Paulo Papa . Jan 03, 2024
  • PH auto market: 2023 in retrospect
    PH auto market: 2023 in retrospect
    Paulo Papa . Dec 15, 2023
  • Here’s a holiday gift guide for car enthusiasts
    Here’s a holiday gift guide for car enthusiasts
    Hazel Nicole Carreon . Dec 15, 2023
  • Oil players cut pump prices anew
    Oil players cut pump prices anew
    Paulo Papa . Nov 14, 2023
  • First look: JMC Grand Avenue
    First look: JMC Grand Avenue
    Paulo Papa . Mar 27, 2024
  • Above average: Toyota Raize G
    Above average: Toyota Raize G
    Paulo Papa . Mar 22, 2024
  • BYD Atto 3: from the metro to the mountains
    BYD Atto 3: from the metro to the mountains
    Paulo Papa . Mar 18, 2024
  • Late bloomer: Hyundai Stargazer GLS Premium
    Late bloomer: Hyundai Stargazer GLS Premium
    Ruben Manahan IV . Mar 08, 2024
  • Adventure-ready: Subaru Crosstrek
    Adventure-ready: Subaru Crosstrek
    Paulo Papa . Mar 01, 2024