We are in the middle of the summer travel season - and thus also in the high season for long car journeys. Drivers should make sure that they take regular breaks and get enough sleep before they set off, especially if they are traveling long distances to their recreational destination.
Bad or short sleep, but also driving at unusual times, increase exhaustion and lead to more carelessness when driving - this can represent an enormous safety risk in road traffic.
"The main problem is that many drivers overestimate their own stamina behind the wheel and ignore the tiredness warning signals from their body," says ÖAMTC traffic psychologist Marion Seidenberger. "But falling asleep at the wheel is just the tip of the iceberg - fatigue-related performance losses while driving become noticeable long before the driver actually falls asleep."
Annual peak 2021: July saw the most accidents caused by fatigue
"Accidents caused by fatigue or microsleep usually end very seriously," explains Seidenberger. "A particular risk is posed by so-called 'vehicle accidents', in which the vehicle leaves the road at high speed and often crashes into an obstacle without braking or falls down a slope." Ten fatal accidents caused by fatigue occurred on Austria's roads last year (source: BMI). Monthly comparison shows a rapid increase in fatigue-related accidents with personal injury from May 2021, with this development reaching its sad peak in midsummer: almost 14 percent of all accidents caused by fatigue or microsleep occurred in July last year.
Don't ignore the body's warning signs of tiredness
The ÖAMTC expert advises drivers to observe themselves carefully, to be sensitive and, if they notice "signs of tiredness", not to ignore them or resort to "placebos", but to take effective measures: "Anyone who ignores the first signs of tiredness or tries to drive them away with an open window and loud music will not notice any improvement in the long term. Coffee or other stimulating drinks are also of little use in the long term; they mask the actual tiredness and give the impression of good performance," explains Marion Seidenberger.
Acute warning signs are frequent yawning, sudden chills, a strong need to move, constantly changing sitting position, tenseness, especially in the neck and shoulder area, the development of a fixed gaze and frequent blinking. A low mood can also be a warning signal.
"Anyone who has difficulty staying in their lane, makes rough driving maneuvers for no reason, often 'drifts' with their mind or has the feeling that the road is narrowing should definitely head for the next exit to take a break or hand over the wheel to a fit passenger," warns the ÖAMTC traffic psychologist. Even a power nap of around 20 minutes combined with a coffee afterwards can help (at least for a short time). The energy boost has a positive effect on performance and mood and improves reaction time. "Nevertheless, this method is not a permanent solution - the short nap cannot replace proper regeneration, which only a sleep break of several hours can bring about," adds Seidenberger.
Tips from the ÖAMTC expert for a good and safe trip on holiday
- Route planning – plan stages with breaks firmly: Don’t calculate the time too tightly on long journeys and plan sufficient breaks from the start. If the holiday destination is more than 800 kilometers away, ideally plan a stopover with an overnight stay.
- Start well rested: If you decide to drive at a time that is not typical for you, make sure you get enough sleep the night before. On longer car journeys, take a 15-minute break at least every two hours and drive no more than eight hours a day. If possible, change drivers at regular intervals.
- Take the right break: Fresh air and exercise during breaks prevent fatigue and get your circulation going again after sitting in the car for a long time.
- Responsibility of passengers: In order to reach your destination safely, passengers are also required. They often notice earlier when drivers are plagued by fatigue. Be sure to state this observation, request a break.
- Optimum nutrition: Drink enough water, tea or diluted fruit juices, as a lack of fluids has a massive impact on your ability to concentrate. Refrain from eating heavy (high-calorie) meals during breaks in driving – drowsiness usually occurs after eating meals that are too heavy, greasy and sumptuous. Instead, make sure you eat a light, vitamin-rich diet - because a lack of vitamins also leads to tiredness and a lack of concentration.
Long holiday trips are often undertaken against the body's internal clock. "Between 2 and 5 a.m. and in the afternoon around 14 p.m., people are at a biological low," explains the ÖAMTC traffic psychologist. "Driving through the night or in the early morning hours, especially on monotonous routes, is therefore, in case of doubt, at the expense of safety."