Everyone gets tired. That's just a fact of life and there’s no magic cure - when our bodies need to sleep, they will - whenever and wherever we are!

Here’s what you need to know about fatigue and driving…

• Every moment counts: Driving while tired is a big deal. If we fall asleep – even for a moment – we don’t respond to hazards at all. A sleeping driver doesn’t steer or brake, so collisions related to fatigue are more likely to be fatal or to cause serious injury.
• Get the rest you need: Some of us need eight hours of sleep to really thrive. Others can get by on less. You know yourself well enough to understand how much sleep you need. Make sure you turn in early enough the night before you’re going to be driving.
• You wouldn't drive drunk: Being awake for 17 hours is similar to driving at the drink-drive limit - whilst being awake for 24 hours is similar to driving at twice the drink-drive limit.
• Watch for signs of fatigue: There are lots of telltales that warn us that we’re getting tired while driving. If you start to fidget, need to stretch, or your eyelids feel heavy, then your body is telling you that it needs to rest. Take a break.

Now, let's explore some coping strategies and some simple steps you can take to reduce fatigue.

Here’s what you need to know…

• Prevention is better than cure: Make sure you get plenty of rest, not just as a one off, but regularly. Turn in at a sensible time each night.
• Plan when you drive: We all have dips in energy. Think about when you usually feel most tired during the day and avoid driving. A taxi home after a night out is a smarter choice than driving when you’re too tired to be safe.
• Take a break: Aim to take a 20-minute break every two hours on a long journey. If you feel tired sooner, stop and rest as soon as you can do so safely.
• Caffeine and a nap: A good way to recharge drained batteries is to stop, have a coffee, and then take a 20-minute nap. The brief sleep will boost your energy while you wait for the caffeine to kick in. This is only a temporary measure. If you feel fatigued, you need to stop driving and have a proper night’s rest.

Stay safe and catch you next time!