To prevent driving when tired, you must:
- Take breaks somewhere safe (never on the hard shoulder) every two hours or sooner if you feel sleepy.
- Stop for at least 15 minutes. Try to snooze if you feel sleepy.
- Limit your sleeping time to a maximum of 15 minutes or you will fall into a state commonly known as ‘deep sleep’. Deep sleep can occur after just a quarter of an hour and leaves your levels of alertness impaired for longer upon waking. Only drive if you feel alert.
- Research has found that drinking a strong caffeine drink or two before having a snooze can help you be more alert after you wake up. By the time you wake up the caffeine has kicked in. However drugs are no substitute for sleep and cannot, on their own, enable you to stay awake for long.
- Never try to tackle sleepiness by carrying on driving, turning up the radio or winding down the window. These measures do not work.
- Research shows that drivers know when they are sleepy. Listen to your body and if you experience symptoms of sleepiness (e.g. heavy eyelids, yawning) you must stop.
Looking for a new van or light commercial?
Call Low Cost Vans on 0845 22 44 125
or complete our online enquiry form