Avoiding driver fatigue
 

Staying alert on the road
Canadians often travel long distances when they go on vacation.  A lot of us feel the need to keep driving for extended periods even when tired.  Our countryside is beautiful, but many of our routes are long and monotonous.

Everyone knows how dangerous drinking and driving is, but driving while drowsy can be just as fatal.  Driver fatigue slows reaction time, decreases awareness, impairs judgment and increases the risk of getting into an accident.

Did you know?
Studies show that if you go without sleep for 18 hours straight, you suffer from a level of impairment that is equal to having a blood alcohol level of .05%. If you go without sleep for 24 hours, the impairment is equal to having a .1% blood alcohol level.

4.1 million Canadians admit to nodding off at the wheel at least once in the past 12 months, according to a survey released in March 2005 by the Traffic Injury Research Foundation.  Every year, more than 400 Canadians die and many more are injured because of drowsy or tired drivers.

If you notice any of the following symptoms, do the only thing that will stop driver fatigue:  pull off the road to a safe spot and have a nap.

Tips to avoid drowsy driving
Keep your mind alert.

• Listen to talk shows or up-tempo music.
• Try to have company on long trips.
• Change position frequently, keeping your head up and shoulders back.
• Chew gum.
• Actively watch road signs and traffic. 
• Avoid driving between 1 a.m. and 7 a.m., when your body naturally craves sleep.

Find a safe place to stop.

• Every 2 hours or if you start to feel sleepy, pull off the road for a break, exercise and fresh air.
• When possible, spend the night at a hotel or stop in a safe place to take a nap.
• Don't rely on coffee!

Be careful about what you eat and drink.

• Coffee, sugar or other stimulants may wake you up physically but not mentally.
• Drink water, juice or soft drinks low in sugar and caffeine.
• Avoid alcohol and medications (including cold remedies).
• If you require medication, consult with your doctor to minimize effects on driving.

Drive only when rested.

• Don't take the wheel if you feel fatigued, no matter when or where you are driving.
• Sleep first, avoid or delay the trip, or let someone else drive.
• Remember, if you can barely keep your eyes open, you should not be driving.