Seasonal Changes Often Bring Problems

As we reach the end of summer and move towards autumn, the dynamics of driving changes. Whether the change be the reduction in tourist traffic and the increase in school and workflows on the road, or on a personal level, the reintroduction of the school run, or changing work times, all of these factors lead to change, and one physiological result can sometimes be fatigue.

Fatigue is associated with 20-30% of traffic incidents, according to the DGT. Its main cause is driving without rest for too long. In addition, there are many variables in the environment, the vehicle and, especially, the driver that can promote its appearance or increase its effects.

If you perform a task for too long, sooner or later there will come a time when your performance will begin to decline and you will not be able to continue with it effectively. Similarly, driving for many hours is clearly related to road incidents, as over time your ability to drive safely gradually decreases, reaching very dangerous limits.

It is important to emphasise that the most significant factor involved in the onset of fatigue is driving without a break for too long. Of course, there are many other factors that influence this process, such as the difficulty of driving, the type of road or the weather conditions. However, these other factors will only determine when you will begin to experience the symptoms of fatigue, as well as the intensity of these symptoms.

In general, anything that reduces the number of breaks or makes them inadequate, makes driving more difficult or increases the concentration required to drive, increases the monotony of the environment or task, makes driving more uncomfortable, or alters the psychophysical state of the driver will increase the effects of fatigue.

Under the effects of fatigue, your ability to drive safely can be seriously affected, highlighting alterations in vision, hearing, bodily sensations, movements, your behaviour and decision-making.

Recognise the symptoms as soon as they start to appear and you can stop fatigue before you have an incident.

The most important advice, if fatigue starts to set in, is to take a break and refresh yourself, and if you can rest for a longer period of time, then that will be better.