How Long Does It Take to Drive Before It Becomes Fatigued Driving?
2 Answers
Driving for more than 4 hours without rest constitutes fatigued driving. The dangers of fatigued driving include making the driver feel drowsy, weak in limbs, inattentive, and with reduced judgment ability. It may even lead to mental confusion or momentary memory loss, delayed or premature actions, and unsafe factors such as operational pauses or improper correction times, which can easily cause road traffic accidents. Situations that can easily lead to fatigued driving include: 1. Poor sitting posture and poor blood circulation; 2. Driving continuously for more than 4 hours; 3. Lack of sleep; 4. Poor air quality and ventilation inside the vehicle. Fatigued driving occurs when a driver experiences physiological and psychological dysfunction after prolonged continuous driving, leading to a decline in driving skills, which can affect the driver's attention, thinking, judgment, and other aspects.
Fatigue driving isn't strictly defined by a specific duration, but generally, most people may start feeling drowsy after driving for more than two hours, especially if they haven't rested well. For example, last week when I was on a long-distance trip, my eyes began to feel dry and my concentration wavered after just an hour and a half of driving. Later, I found out that the official recommendation is to take a break of at least 15 minutes every two to three hours of driving, with a total driving time not exceeding four hours a day. The key is to pay attention to your personal condition: lack of sleep, irritability, or driving at night can all exacerbate fatigue. Additionally, the faster the speed, the more energy it consumes. If you're feeling unwell, such as having a cold or headache, even half an hour of driving can be tough. Preventive measures include ensuring six to eight hours of sleep before driving, keeping coffee or small snacks on hand to stay alert during the trip, and switching drivers for long journeys. Fatigue driving is quite dangerous as it can slow reaction times by half, increasing the risk of accidents.
