This
occurs when people are tired but are trying to stay awake, most common
in monotonous situations. Nodding off for just a few seconds at the
wheel can be fatal: if you are driving on a motorway at 70mph and
nod off for six seconds you would travel nearly 200 metres, which
could take you across three lanes of traffic and down an embankment
onto another road or train track.
Look out for the Warning Signs
Research
shows that normal sleep does not occur without warning. You should
know when you are starting to feel sleepy. Warning signs include:
increased difficulty concentrating; yawning; heavy eyelids; eyes starting
to 'roll'; and neck muscles relaxing, making the head droop. If you
experience these symptoms, you should find somewhere safe to rest
as soon as possible, rather than trying to fight off tiredness. Winding
down the window, listening to music and talking to a passenger do
not help prevent sleep, although they may temporarily help you to
stay alert until you find somewhere safe to stop.
Laws
If you are found to be driving tired, you may be charged with:
careless driving (when driving has fallen below the standard
expected of a careful and competent driver);
dangerous driving (when driving has fallen far below the standard
expected of a careful and competent driver).
If you cause a death while driving tired, you can be charged with
death by dangerous driving, if there is sufficient evidence available.
The maximum penalty for death by dangerous driving is 14 years in
prison.
If you need to drive here is some safety advice
If you start to feel sleepy while driving:
Stop for a 15 minute break somewhere safe as soon as possible. This
should never be on the hard shoulder as this is extremely dangerous.
If you drink caffeine, drink two cups of coffee or a high-caffeine
drink, such as an energy drink.
Take a 10-15 minute rest or snooze, but no longer as you will
go into a different type of sleep. Set an alarm clock to wake you.
By the time you wake up the caffeine will have kicked in and you should
be ready to continue your journey.
If you still feel tired, you should not continue your journey.
Bear in mind that the caffeine is a temporary drug and its
effects do not last long. Sleep is the only long-term cure to tiredness.