Stay Alert Behind the Wheel

Driving can be quite an adventure, but it can also be exhausting, especially if you're on the road for hours or driving late at night. Feeling tired behind the wheel is no joke—it can really affect your ability to drive safely. That's why it's important to recognise the signs of fatigue. By staying alert and taking care of yourself, you can make sure your journey is not only safer but also more enjoyable.

Rest Well Before Driving: Ensure you are well-rested before getting behind the wheel to reduce the risk of micro-sleeps. These brief episodes of drowsiness or sleep can last from a fraction of a second to 30 seconds. At 70 mph, a vehicle travels 31 meters per second, making even a short micro-sleep dangerous.


Avoid Chronic Sleepiness: Consistently missing one or two hours of sleep can result in ongoing drowsiness. It's important to avoid driving when you're sleep-deprived and to make sure you feel well-rested and healthy before hitting the road.

Take Regular Breaks: Split up long stretches of motorway driving to avoid drowsiness. It's good practice to stop at least every 100 miles or every two hours, and make sure to stop before fatigue sets in. Get out of your vehicle and stretch your legs, grab a drink, and get some fresh air.

Heed Vehicle Warnings: Some newer vehicles have smart tech that warns motorists when their driving style shows signs of fatigue. If a warning appears, it's time to take a break.

Plan Overnight Stops: Stop and take a nap in a safe location; it will allow your batteries to re-charge. Ideally, book a hotel and start afresh in the morning.

Use Caffeine with Caution: High-caffeine drinks may provide a quick fix, but they are not a long-term solution and cannot replace a good night’s sleep.

Avoid Peak Sleepiness Times: If possible, avoid driving during the two peak times for sleepiness: between 3-5am and 2-4pm, when our natural sleep cycle makes us more prone to feeling tired.

Check Medication Effects: If you are taking prescribed medication, consult your GP about whether it's safe to drive. For over-the-counter medication, read the instructions or, ask a pharmacist, or check here for more information.

Driving for Work: People who drive for work are particularly susceptible to tiredness, with factors such as long hours, physical fatigue, and irregular shift patterns often having a cumulative impact. Employers need to take note of the serious consequences of driving while tired and make sure they don’t ask too much of their employees.

IAM RoadSmart Chief Examiner Richard Gladman said: "Driving can be quite an adventure, but it can also be exhausting, especially if you're on the road for hours or driving late at night. Feeling tired behind the wheel is no joke—it can really affect your ability to drive safely. That's why it's important to recognise the signs of fatigue. By staying alert and taking care of yourself, you can make sure your journey is not only safer but also more enjoyable."