What is the definition of fatigued driving?
3 Answers
Continuous driving for more than 4 hours without stopping for a break constitutes fatigued driving. The details of fatigued driving are as follows: Penalties for continuous driving exceeding 4 hours: If a motor vehicle is driven continuously on the road for more than 4 hours and is captured on camera, the driver will be directly penalized with 6 demerit points and a fine. If fatigued driving is detected by traffic police, the driver will be forced to stop and rest for half an hour before being allowed to continue driving. Additionally, for medium-sized or larger passenger vehicles or hazardous material transport vehicles, continuous driving for more than 4 hours without stopping or with a rest period of less than 20 minutes will result in 12 demerit points and a fine. Methods to prevent fatigued driving: Control speed: High-speed driving can easily make drivers tense. Driving slightly below the normal speed (without affecting traffic) can reduce mental stress and fatigue. At the same time, minimizing overtaking and emergency braking can also help alleviate fatigue. Ventilate the vehicle: When feeling drowsy while driving, open the windows for ventilation (to prevent endogenous oxygen deficiency), play different styles of music, chew gum, or apply essential oils like menthol. Without compromising safety, stretch fingers, shake arms, twist the neck, and try to look into the distance. Take more breaks: For long-distance driving, actively pull over every two hours, get out of the car, and rest for 10 to 15 minutes. Look into the distance, move the body, and relax the ankles.
I have a deep understanding of the dangers of fatigued driving. That time on the highway when I drove for over five hours straight, I was alert at first but eventually felt my eyelids getting heavy as if weighed down, and my reactions slowed noticeably. Actually, traffic regulations clearly define fatigued driving as operating a vehicle continuously for more than 4 hours without rest, or continuing to drive after less than 20 minutes of break time. Driving in this state is extremely dangerous - it's easy to doze off, judgment plummets, almost like having consumed alcohol. Many modern vehicle systems now come with fatigue detection that alerts you when it senses yawning or erratic steering. My car has this feature, and it actually saved me just the other day - the beeping made me realize I was about to cross the lane marker. My advice for long trips: plan regular rest stops, pull into service areas every two hours to stretch your legs. Even grabbing an energy drink is better than pushing through.
As a rideshare driver who frequently navigates urban areas, I have the most intuitive understanding of drowsy driving—it's when you're so exhausted you can barely keep your eyes open but still grip the steering wheel and push through. The toughest periods are mid-afternoon and early morning, when your brain feels like it's stuffed with paste. Traffic authorities primarily monitor driving duration, and exceeding four consecutive hours is definitely a violation. A few of my colleagues have paid dearly for this—one guy dozed off while taking an early morning ride and drove straight into a greenbelt, with repair costs exceeding his earnings. Now, I always check my condition before heading out; if I feel sluggish, I cancel the trip outright. Keeping menthol oil in the car helps—applying it to my temples when drowsy gives me a quick boost. Honestly, the root of the problem lies in our scheduling system. Platforms should mandate a 30-minute break after drivers complete four straight hours of rides.
