How Many Hours Constitute Driver Fatigue?
3 Answers
Continuous driving of a motor vehicle for more than 4 hours without stopping to rest or stopping for less than 20 minutes will be considered fatigued driving. Situations prone to fatigued driving and corresponding penalties are as follows: Situations prone to fatigued driving: Summer driving is prone to fatigue. Firstly, the high temperature inside the vehicle and poor air circulation can easily cause the driver to feel fatigued. Mental fatigue leads to slower thinking, especially in the afternoon when yawning becomes more frequent. If one continues to drive under such conditions, accidents are more likely to occur. High-speed driving is also prone to fatigue. When driving at high speeds, the driver needs to stay fully focused, keeping their mind in a state of high tension. Prolonged driving under such conditions increases fatigue, and even a slight lapse in attention can lead to an accident. Penalties for fatigued driving: Excessive fatigued driving of highway passenger vehicles or hazardous material transport vehicles will result in a deduction of 12 points.
I remember that fatigue often starts to set in after about two hours of driving, and that heavy feeling in the eyelids is really uncomfortable. Last week on a long trip, I set off at 9 a.m. and by around 11 a.m., I was noticeably losing focus, and the scenery along the road became blurry. Usually, I try to plan a stop at a service station every two hours to stretch or grab a cup of coffee, which helps avoid the danger of dozing off. Fatigue doesn’t just depend on time—it’s also influenced by sleep quality and road conditions. Straight highways are more likely to induce drowsiness than winding mountain roads. Generally, the risk of accidents increases significantly after driving continuously for more than four hours without a break, so don’t push yourself—safety first.
After driving for many years, I've found that fatigue usually knocks on the door within three hours of driving. Once during an afternoon short trip, it took only two and a half hours to get home from work, but the traffic jam completely scattered my attention. This isn't a fixed hourly rule, as individual physical conditions vary greatly, but most research reports recommend taking a 15-minute break every two to three hours. I'm used to staying awake by listening to the radio or podcasts during the drive. If I feel neck stiffness or slowed reactions, I immediately pull over—a 10-minute nap can recharge me. Remember, fatigue not only causes mistakes but may also lead to accidents.
