How tired is too tired when you’re driving? Unfortunately, fatigue is up there as one of the most common causes of accidents on UK roads, accounting for around a fifth. In addition, 18-30-year-olds are most at risk, especially from falling asleep at the wheel – even more so during late-night driving.
In a bid to reduce the number of accidents caused by this problem, studies are being undertaken to introduce a blood test that determines whether an accident was caused by tiredness. The study is currently being trialled in Australia, and there’s growing encouragement to widen the pool and bring it to the UK.
Prosecution for tiredness in the UK
Currently, there’s no way to test whether someone caused an accident by overtiredness. In the UK, drivers face prosecution for dangerous driving or careless driving if someone is killed in an accident. But this doesn’t often mean that tiredness is a factor, even in accidents that occur at night.
The trials in Australia are showing positive signs such as biomarkers, which could tell police whether someone has been awake for more than 24 hours. However, this is just the tip of the iceberg, and more testing over the next few years will indicate whether it’s viable to widen the scope or not.
If a test like this was to be introduced, there’s the possibility it could be used not just for accidents but also in routine stops if a driver was causing concern on the road.
However, despite the positive steps this test is making, there would be a host of considerations to make. For example, a threshold or minimum sleep requirement would need to be written into law. Similar to that of alcohol limits. This wouldn’t be a quick fix by any means.
But ministers at the Department for Transport are not planning to implement it in the near future. Instead, they said they will ‘always note new ideas to make our roads safer’.
Tips for staying alert behind the wheel
Tiredness while driving affects concentration and even vision, especially at night. This issue is also a common cause of accidents or careless driving incidents, and it can happen when you don’t think you’re that sleepy.
What’s more, tiredness can turn quickly into falling asleep at the wheel, which could have severe consequences for you, other drivers and pedestrians.
So, how do you stay alert at the wheel to avoid any issues?
Rest before a long journey
It’s surprising how tired you get on a long journey without noticing. So, it’s helpful to get as much rest before heading out to help stave off tiredness on the journey.
Take a break when driving
If you’re driving for hours, it’s important to take a rest break. Concentration can be affected if you’ve been staring at the same stretch of motorway for hours on end. So, pull off and get a drink and some fresh air to revive the senses.
Avoid a heavy meal before long drives
Eating a big meal before driving can contribute to sleepiness. The same can be said if you stop at a service station mid-way and enjoy some food.
Share the drive
If you have the option, share the driving with someone else, especially if it’s a long journey. That way, when you’re feeling tired, you can switch over and get some rest before switching back.
Try to avoid driving in the middle of the night
Even if you’re hoping to get an early start, try to avoid driving between the hours of 12am and 6am. During this time, your natural alertness is low, and you’re more likely to feel sleepy.
Stop if you feel tired
Many people feel like they can push through tiredness or open a window to help reduce the feeling of sleepiness. But this just makes your body overtired. If you start to get drowsy and feel extremely tired, always stop and rest. It’s not worth the consequences if you decide not to.
It’s not just feeling sleepy behind the wheel that can cause issues. Driving in the dark can lead to a number of accidents that could be avoided.
Tips for driving in the dark
- Check your lights are in working order
- Avoid looking directly at bright headlights to avoid dazzle
- Clean your vehicle’s window for improved visibility
- Get your eyes tested regularly
Is falling asleep behind the wheel illegal?
If you fall asleep at the wheel and cause an accident, this falls into the dangerous driving category.
The meaning of dangerous driving is driving that:
“falls far below the standard expected of a competent and careful driver, and it would be obvious that driving in that way would be dangerous.”
Other examples of dangerous driving include:
- Racing other cars
- Overtaking dangerously
- Driving when unfit or injured
- Using a handheld phone
- Reading a book
- Plus many others, but being sleepy is also stated here.
Depending on how serious an accident is, these offences are dealt with by a Magistrates Court or Crown Court. The consequences of the violations include a fine with no set limit, a driving ban and a prison sentence.
Staying safe when driving
Road safety is vitally important, and simple things such as feeling sleepy may not feel like a big issue. However, the consequences of accidents caused by falling asleep at the wheel are significant for you and others around you.
With more cars on the road than ever before and with busy schedules meaning more time on UK roads, taking extra precautions, especially with night driving, can help you feel more confident and safe while driving.
So, while the test for tiredness may be some years away or may not appear at all, following some simple tips on staying alert will ensure you avoid any issues with fatigue when driving in the future.
Check out our blog for more news and updates on driving rules and regulations.
