When behind the wheels, you have to be spot-on with your driving techniques. From staying alert to wearing the seatbelt and pushing the brake at the right time, each contributes to making you a pro and defensive driver. And when talking about driving skills and techniques, it’s a must we mention the importance of recognising the signs of fatigued driving. Driver fatigue is a condition in which a driver feels extremely worn down and tired while driving.
According to the reports from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), fatigued driving causes over 100,000 car accidents, 40,000 injuries, and 1,150 deaths annually. Knowing your body’s warning signs and planning your trip are the keys to your safety and survival on the road. Being the best driving school in Mount Druitt, we prepare our students to face any kinds of challenges on the road. In this blog, we share some crucial signs to recognise fatigued driving.
Recognising the Signs of Fatigued Driving
- Frequent Yawning
Some of the most common warning signs of being tired are frequent eye rubbing and constant yawning, while some drivers may also experience excess watering of the eyes. One or two yawns are not something to worry about, but if you find yourself yawning excessively, read it as a clear sign that your body needs rest. Driving in such a condition is not advised.
- Nodding Head
Ever been jerked awake by your head hitting your chest? It happens after a micro-sleep, which is a common sign of driver fatigue. It basically means you go unconscious for a nanosecond. Being the best driving school in Mount Druitt, we strictly recommend that if you find yourself nodding away to sleep, do not sit behind the driver’s wheel.
- Erratic Braking
Drivers who can’t remember the last few miles or doze off at the wheel, make erratic decisions, like braking unnecessarily. In case you notice a driver continuously hitting their brakes when nobody is in front of them, it is a clear sign that the driver is fatigued on the road. If this happens, ask the driver to take some time out to freshen up before taking on the wheels again.
- Slow Reaction Time
When you’re tired, you may have slower reaction times than you normally would. This simply means it takes longer for your body to receive the signals it needs to respond to dangers on the road. While this may not be a problem when you’re at home and taking longer to get a joke, but it is definitely a problem if you’re behind the wheels. For example, if the car in front of you suddenly puts a break, and you’re not in an alert state of mind, you will end up bumping with the other car.
- Irregular Speed
The first lesson that the best driving school in Mount Druitt will give you is to stay alert. When you’re tired, your speed fluctuates, going up and down with no rhyme or reason, making you an exceptionally unpredictable driver. This can be dangerous for the people driving around you, not to mention may make you victim to some road rage.
Wrapping Up:
Learning to recognize the signs of fatigued driving can save your life and the lives of others on the roadways. Should you be looking for the best driving school in Mount Druitt, you can consider getting in touch with BTB Driving School. Our trained instructors are caring, patient, and helpful and understand the different levels of understanding of the trainees. To know more about our services, call 0421123254.
