Does Traffic Jam Count as Fatigued Driving?
2 Answers
Traffic jam does not count as fatigued driving. Basic information about fatigued driving: Fatigued driving is highly prone to causing traffic accidents. It refers to the phenomenon where a driver experiences physiological and psychological dysfunction after prolonged continuous driving, resulting in objectively diminished driving skills. Causes of fatigued driving: Driver fatigue primarily involves fatigue of the nerves and sensory organs, as well as physical fatigue caused by maintaining a fixed posture for extended periods, leading to poor blood circulation. Drivers sitting in fixed positions for long durations with restricted movement, highly concentrated attention, and constant processing of external stimuli can experience symptoms such as blurred vision, soreness in the back and waist, delayed reactions, and reduced driving agility.
Having driven for nearly forty years, I don’t consider traffic jams themselves as fatigued driving, because fatigued driving is more about your personal condition—like driving long distances after staying up late, feeling drowsy, or getting distracted. Traffic jams are external factors. However, in reality, traffic jams can easily trigger fatigue. Sitting motionless in the car under pressure, with prolonged mental tension, slows down your reaction time. When I was younger, I once got stuck on the highway for two hours—my legs went numb, and I nearly had an accident. Legally, fatigued driving is defined as driving continuously beyond the regulated time limit, but traffic jams increase the risk, so caution is needed. I recommend stretching your limbs and drinking some water every half hour in traffic to develop good habits for safety. Fatigued driving often leads to rear-end collisions, which are terrifying, especially on slippery roads during rainy days—stay extra vigilant.
