How Many Hours of Night Driving Constitutes Fatigued Driving?
3 Answers
According to traffic regulations, driving a motor vehicle continuously for more than 4 hours without stopping to rest or resting for less than 20 minutes constitutes fatigued driving, which is a serious traffic violation. Penalties for fatigued driving: Driving a medium-sized or larger passenger vehicle or a hazardous materials transport vehicle continuously for more than 4 hours without stopping to rest or resting for less than 20 minutes will result in a 12-point deduction; driving any other motor vehicle continuously for more than 4 hours without stopping to rest or resting for less than 20 minutes will result in a 6-point deduction. Hazards of fatigued driving: Fatigued driving can easily lead to drowsiness, weakness in limbs, and inability to promptly detect and accurately handle traffic conditions on the road, increasing the risk of traffic accidents.
As a veteran driver with years of long-distance driving experience, I have deep insights. Night driving is more prone to fatigue, mainly due to insufficient light and biological clock effects. Generally, after driving continuously for over 3 hours, I feel drowsiness setting in and reactions slowing down. Once, I drove on the highway for 4 hours at night without a break and almost rear-ended another car—a painful lesson. Since then, I've insisted on stopping every 2 hours to rest for 15 minutes, drinking coffee to stay alert, or getting out to walk around. Fatigued driving is no small matter; nighttime accidents are frequent, so safety comes first. Drivers should adjust according to their physical condition and not push themselves too hard. It's best to plan trips to avoid overnight driving, ensuring safety and enjoyment. Remember, driving alert is far more important than rushing.
From a safe driving perspective, fatigue is a major hazard. Poor nighttime lighting strains the eyes, and monotonous road conditions make it easy to lose focus. In my opinion, continuous driving exceeding 3 hours carries fatigue risks, especially at night. Traffic regulations recommend a 20-minute break every 4 hours, but nighttime intervals should be shorter. I suggest limiting driving sessions to 2-3 hours and self-monitoring for symptoms like yawning or heavy eyelids – pull over immediately if these occur. During breaks, practice deep breathing and light stretching to alleviate fatigue. Proper nutrition is also crucial; avoid driving on an empty stomach. Fatigued driving impairs judgment and may lead to accidents, making prevention essential. Regularly educate yourself about warning signs of driver fatigue to protect both yourself and others on the road.
