What are the factors that lead to fatigued driving?
4 Answers
Living environment; sleep quality; in-car environment, etc., are all causes of fatigued driving. The driver's fatigue is mainly due to fatigue of the nerves and sensory organs, as well as limb fatigue caused by maintaining a fixed posture for a long time, leading to poor blood circulation. 1. Living environment: The residence is too far from the workplace; too many household chores or marital discord; heavy mental burden; extensive social activities, participating in recreational activities for too long. 2. Sleep quality: Going to bed too late, insufficient sleep time; poor sleep quality; noisy sleep environment that cannot guarantee good sleep. 3. In-car environment: Poor air quality, poor ventilation; temperature too high or too low; severe noise and vibration; improper seat adjustment; tense relationship with fellow passengers.
I just finished a long night shift drive, so I totally get the fatigue driving thing. The root cause is severe lack of sleep, which is especially dangerous on highways. Once I drove for 8 hours straight, my eyelids were literally fighting to stay open, so I quickly pulled over at a service area to take a 20-minute nap. The car environment matters too - if it's too hot and stuffy you'll feel drowsy, or if the seat isn't adjusted properly your body gets stiff. Oh, and eating too much before driving makes you especially sleepy - last time I ate a full set meal at a service station and spent the next half hour pinching my thighs to stay awake. Monotonous road conditions with few cars on the highway can make you drop your guard too. My advice: take mandatory breaks every 2 hours, crack the window for fresh air, or chew some gum.
As a working mom, I experience mental fatigue every day after dropping off my kids and then driving to work. The night before last, I only got 4 hours of sleep after putting the kids to bed, and the next day, driving felt like sleepwalking. Psychological stress is also not negligible—when in a hurry, it's easy to feel anxious and distracted. Some medications are even worse. Last time I drove after taking cold medicine, I felt dizzy and unsteady within half an hour. Complex road conditions are even more draining, like during heavy rain or on unfamiliar routes. Personal condition actually plays a big role—avoid driving when you haven't eaten properly at lunch and your blood sugar is low, or when you're feeling down. It's best to plan your route in advance and listen to some energizing music.
My relative who drives a truck has talked to me about the causes of fatigue. Physical health issues are crucial, for example, drivers with sleep apnea are at high risk. Certain chronic illnesses can slow reactions during medication. Incorrect driving posture is also tiring, and he recommends using lumbar support. Food choices matter—high-sugar snacks can cause blood sugar fluctuations and drowsiness. I’ve also noticed that lighting has a big impact; direct sunlight at dusk can easily cause distraction. Poor air quality in the car worsens fatigue, so it’s best to open the window for ventilation every hour.
