What are the factors contributing to driver fatigue?
2 Answers
Fatigue driving refers to the phenomenon where a driver experiences physiological and psychological dysfunction after prolonged continuous driving, resulting in objectively observable decline in driving skills. There are five main causes of driver fatigue: 1. Living environment: Excessive distance between residence and workplace, heavy mental burden; 2. Sleep quality: Late bedtime, insufficient sleep duration, poor sleep quality, noisy sleeping environment affecting rest; 3. Vehicle environment: Poor air quality with inadequate ventilation, excessively high or low temperatures, severe noise and vibration, improperly adjusted seats; 4. Operating conditions: Extended duration or long-distance driving, excessively fast or slow speeds; 5. Driving experience: Low technical proficiency, unfamiliarity with operations, short driving history, limited experience, and poor safety awareness.
That time when I drove a long distance back to my hometown, I almost fell asleep on the road, and then I realized that fatigue driving should never be underestimated. Looking back now, it's mainly a sleep issue—many people stay up late scrolling through their phones or working overtime, and the next day their eyelids are heavy while driving. Driving continuously for more than 3 hours is especially dangerous. I once drove on the highway for 5 hours without a break, and in the end, my reactions slowed down. The weather also has an impact; if the car is too stuffy or if you've taken cold medicine, it's particularly easy to feel drowsy. Additionally, high life stress and constant anxiety can also distract you while driving. Now, I make sure to take regular breaks—every two hours, I must stop at a service area and walk around for a few minutes. After all, safety comes first.
