Tiredness, stress and fitness to drive

By the end of this topic you can

• You can recognise the early warning signs of tiredness at the wheel.
• You can follow the RSA's advice if you feel sleepy while driving.
• You can decide when stress, anger or illness make it unsafe to drive.
• You can check whether a medicine affects your driving.

What you need to know and understand

• Tiredness slows reactions and can lead to microsleeps, where you nod off for a few seconds without realising.
• Opening a window or turning up the radio does not cure tiredness. Only sleep does.
• The RSA's advice is Stop, Sip, Sleep: stop somewhere safe, have a caffeine drink such as two cups of coffee, then take a 15 minute nap.
• That routine only buys a short period of safer driving. It is not a substitute for proper rest.
• It is an offence to drive while impaired by any drug, including prescribed or over-the-counter medicines.
• Driving when unfit to drive can bring penalty points on conviction.

Warning signs to take seriously

If you notice any of these, act straight away. The risk is highest on long, quiet roads, late at night, in the early afternoon and after a poor night's sleep.

• Yawning repeatedly or heavy eyelids.
• Not remembering the last few kilometres.
• Drifting in your lane or hitting the edge of the road.
• Missing a sign or a turn you meant to take.
• Feeling restless, irritable or unable to focus.

If tiredness hits on a drive

1. Tell your accompanying driver and find somewhere safe and legal to stop. Never stop on a hard shoulder just to rest.
2. Have a caffeine drink, such as two cups of coffee.
3. Take a nap of about 15 minutes, with an alarm set.
4. Get some fresh air before you set off again, and plan to finish the journey early or let someone else drive.

Stress, emotions and feeling unwell

Anger, upset or anxiety pull your attention away from the road and can make you take risks. If you have just had an argument or bad news, wait until you are calm. A cold, a migraine or a hangover all affect concentration too.

Before taking any medicine, read the leaflet for warnings about drowsiness or driving, and ask a pharmacist if you are unsure. If a condition or treatment might affect your driving long term, talk to your doctor, as you may need a medical report.

Common mistakes

• Pushing on to get home when you feel sleepy. Stop as soon as the signs appear.
• Relying on loud music or a cold window to stay awake.
• Booking a lesson straight after a late night or a long shift.
• Driving when upset after an argument. Take time to calm down first.

Test yourself: Tiredness, stress and fitness to drive

Answer each question, then read the explanation. Questions come in a random order each time.