Managing Your Fatigue
​Watch for the early warning signs
​
​The best way to avoid driving tired is to make sure you have enough sleep before driving, regardless of the length of your trip. Drivers and motorcyclists can avoid fatigue crashes by recognising the early warning signs.
  • Yawning
  • Poor concentration
  • Sore/tired eyes
  • Head nodding
  • Restlessness
  • Drowsiness
  • Daydreaming
  • Slow reactions
  • Boredom
  • Oversteering

Tips to avoid driving tired

  • Get a good night’s sleep
  • Avoid driving at night when your body will naturally want to sleep
  • Arrange to share the driving
  • Avoid long drives after work
  • Plan to take regular breaks from driving (use rest areas)
  • Stay hydrated and eat healthy snacks
  • Find out if any medicine you are taking may affect your driving
  • Know what the early warning signs of fatigue are

If you feel tired while driving

  • Pull over for a break in a safe place
  • Pull over for a nap (20 minutes works best)
  • Swap drivers if you can
  • Stop for a coffee if you’re on a short drive, although the effects of caffeine won't help for long and won't work for everyone. Caffeine is not suitable for some people and can be harmful. Limits on the daily consumption of caffeine are recommended.
  • Even if you don’t feel tired, take regular breaks to avoid becoming tired

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