Is your body telling you not to drive?

Safety in our cars is a basic issue, and despite the fact that our vehicles are becoming safer and more intelligent, it is of no use if we are not able to recognise ourselves when we are not in optimal conditions to drive.

Fatigue is an important factor in road safety, and it can be especially dangerous when driving a vehicle. In a world which is expected to be productive 24 hours a day, lack of sleep and exhaustion can be hard to avoid. While the obvious solution to tiredness is getting enough sleep, it’s often not immediately possible to do so when you’re on the road. Therefore, it is important to know the danger signs that indicate that it is time to stop to rest, as the DGT reminds us.

We must be clear that, above all, far above factors such as arriving at our destination as soon as possible, the most important factor is simply to arrive, safely.

The signs that alert that your body needs to rest

Heavy eyelids are a classic sign of tiredness, and it’s one of the first indications of the onset of sleep. If you feel that the eyelids are drooping, it is important to stop as soon as possible to rest. Itchy and tired eyes can also be a sign of fatigue. In case you feel that the eyes are tired and itchy, it may be necessary to take a break.

Blurry or double vision is a worrisome sign of fatigue, as it can hinder the ability to drive safely. If you experience these symptoms, it is important to stop immediately to rest. Postural readjustments can be a sign that your body needs a break. Feeling the need to change position frequently is a sure sign that you are getting tired and need to stop to rest.

Continuous yawning can also be a sign of fatigue and may indicate that your body needs sleep. If you yawn frequently while driving, it’s important to find a safe place to stop and take a quick nap, even if it’s just for a few minutes.

Finally, a lack of concentration can be a worrying sign that you are getting tired and need to stop and rest. If you find yourself struggling to keep your attention on the road, it’s important to find a safe place to stop and rest.

Above all, when undertaking any kind of journey on the road, take plenty of rest beforehand and make sure you plan plenty of stops on the way. You should not drive constantly for any long period of time, and just a short break can be enough to revitalise your senses, so make sure that tiredness does not creep in.