
Driving for over ten hours can be quite exhausting. Typically, cross-province transport trucks that operate from dawn to dusk are driven by a team of 2-3 people taking turns. Driving continuously for over ten hours alone constitutes fatigued driving, which is extremely dangerous. Below are relevant details about fatigued driving: Definition of fatigued driving: When a driver operates a vehicle continuously for more than 4 hours without taking a break of at least 20 minutes, it is considered fatigued driving. Requirements for fatigued driving: To better enforce regulations against fatigued driving, traffic police authorities mandate that large trucks, long-distance buses, and similar vehicles must be equipped with driving recorders by their respective companies. Additionally, these vehicles are required to have GPS tracking and monitoring systems installed.

Driving for over ten hours is indeed extremely exhausting, as someone who frequently takes long-distance trips, I deeply understand this. Physically, prolonged sitting can cause backaches and numb feet; mentally, it's easy to lose focus and start feeling drowsy after a few hours. I recommend taking a 15-minute break every two hours to stretch your legs or drink some water. Adjust your car seat to a comfortable position, preferably with lumbar support. Playing some light music can help you relax, but accumulated fatigue is truly dangerous—I've witnessed accidents caused by drowsy driving. In short, planning your route and scheduling rest stops are crucial.

Last week, I drove for a trip, a full fifteen hours, and it felt absolutely grueling. The first half was manageable, but in the second half, my body stiffened up like a wooden dummy, and the kids making noise in the car only added to the stress. The key is to take regular breaks to stretch: spending ten minutes walking around at rest stops and eating some fruit helped me regain some energy. Long-distance driving also brings psychological pressure, constantly worrying about missing an exit or rear-ending someone. Experience has taught me that bringing a friend to take turns driving is the most reliable solution. Keeping the car's air conditioning ventilated is also crucial to avoid stuffiness that can worsen fatigue. No matter how tired, safety comes first.

My first time driving twelve hours straight for a business trip left me utterly exhausted. I was alert for the first two hours, but then my eyes dried out, my mind grew foggy, and my legs felt weak by the time I got home. I personally experienced the dangers of drowsy driving—I nearly dozed off and crashed. Now I’ve learned my lesson: take a break at least every three hours, and keep energy snacks and coffee in the car. Next time I go long-distance, I won’t push myself—having a companion along would be much safer. Short-term fatigue is manageable, but the toll on health is significant.


