• Symptoms of fatigue.

            When you are fatigued, your ability to drive safely can be significantly impaired. This is because fatigue causes changes in your vision, hearing, bodily sensations, movements, behavior, and decision-making ability.

            Recognizing all these signs and symptoms of fatigue will greatly help you achieve two goals:

1. • Understand that fatigue is a significant and potentially dangerous risk factor.
   • Recognize the symptoms early so you can combat fatigue before an accident occurs. This requires specialized training, as it is not as simple as many drivers might think.

            The symptoms of fatigue are described below:

1. • It affects decision-making.

1. There is a decrease in the quantity and quality of information gathered from the environment. This decline is attributed to changes in vision and hearing, as well as a decrease in the ability to concentrate over time. In addition, drivers regularly experience distractions.
2. The driver may easily misinterpret traffic situations or the behavior of others, which could lead to decisions that do not reflect reality and put their safety at risk.
3. It is important to note that if the driver is fatigued, their reasoning ability will be severely impaired. Consequently, the decisions they make may not be the most appropriate.
4. To ensure effective and safe handling of risky situations, it is essential to note that reaction time will be significantly increased. Therefore, it is recommended to consider this increase in reaction time as a determining factor in managing hazardous situations.

1. • It alters behavior.

1.      A lack of interest or enthusiasm while driving becomes apparent, leading to more automatic and less active driving. For example, less attention is paid to the road.

2.      You may take greater risks behind the wheel. The driver may not be as critical of their own driving behavior and may engage in certain behaviors that could be considered dangerous.

3.      Fatigued drivers frequently experience anxiety and irritability, which can increase hostile or aggressive behavior.

4.      It has been shown that reflexes and reaction times begin to decline, potentially by as much as 75%, which is comparable to driving under the influence of alcohol.

1. • It alters bodily sensations.

1.      Feelings of heaviness in the body are common.

2.      People often experience mild migraines and a sensation of pressure in the head, especially in the temples.

3.      Neck and back pain are very common and make driving uncomfortable, which often leads to frequent and dangerous changes in posture.

4.      Tingling, itching, and cramps in the arms and legs are also common.

1. • It affects your movements.

      When there are a large number of the following types of impaired movements, the driver may experience fatigue. Therefore, every prudent driver and every responsible co-driver should be able to identify them and assess whether to continue driving or, on the contrary, to stop and rest.

1.      Your movements will be slower, less precise, and less effective, which can easily expose you to risky situations.

2.      As a general rule, there is a decrease in the number of maneuvers performed. For example, there is less steering correction.

3.      Signs of fatigue are observed, such as movements indicative of this condition.

Ø      Frequent changes in posture.

Ø      Stretching.

Ø      Yawning.

Ø      Adjusting one’s position in the seat.

Ø      Hand movements, such as scratching or placing a hand on one’s leg.

Ø      So-called playful behaviors, such as singing, whistling, or certain rhythmic and repetitive movements, such as tapping one’s fingers on the steering wheel or leg.

1. • It affects vision.

1. Vision may be impaired, resulting in a reduced ability to focus clearly on objects within the visual field.
2. There is an increase in the frequency and duration of blinking, resulting in prolonged eye closure.
3. The eyes tend to remain partially closed, which, in addition to reducing the field of vision, is an indicator of the level of drowsiness.
4. If you experience a high level of fatigue, you may see optical illusions, such as flashes of light, lights, shadows, or distortions on the road.
5. The body automatically combats fatigue by sleeping. You cannot control when you fall asleep.

1. • It affects hearing.

1. You may experience unexpected and intense reactions to certain unexpected sound stimuli, such as a car horn.
2. Hearing ability may be compromised, which can lead to a decrease in the perception of certain sounds, such as traffic and the vehicle itself.
   • Causes of Fatigue While Driving.

            Various factors can contribute to the onset of fatigue. Among them are factors related to the driver, such as lack of rest, dehydration, poor eating habits, alcohol consumption, or medications that cause drowsiness.

            The vehicle itself is a key factor, especially when the cabin lacks adequate ventilation, there is excessive engine noise, or the heating is too high.

            Finally, external conditions, such as adverse weather, traffic jams, or monotonous road conditions, can also influence the driver’s level of fatigue.

• • Human factor: The driver.

• 1. Lack of rest is the leading cause of fatigue.

            According to a study conducted by Royal Automobile Club of Spain-RACE on “Driving and Fatigue,” driving for four hours results in a 75% reduction in the driver’s reaction time. The study’s findings show that eight out of ten drivers admit to having experienced drowsiness while driving at least once. As mentioned earlier, the onset of sleep is the culmination of fatigue. This situation can cause a driver to fall asleep for up to six minutes without realizing it.

            Driving while fatigued, after engaging in various activities before getting behind the wheel, means not having rested adequately and impairs the ability to drive safely.

• 2. Dehydration also significantly impairs our physical abilities.

            Dehydration can lead to a decline in physical and mental performance, manifesting in symptoms such as dizziness, headache, fatigue, or lack of concentration. It is important to drink water regularly while driving, as feeling thirsty may not be enough to maintain proper hydration. It is recommended to drink refreshing beverages, excluding alcohol, to ensure optimal hydration.

• 3. Eating can increase drowsiness.

            If you’re in the middle of a trip, you should avoid heavy meals; the solution is to eat light, vitamin-rich foods. Also, remember that the opposite, eating poorly or skipping meals, can be just as dangerous for your body.

• 4. Consuming alcohol, narcotics, or certain medications.

            A decrease in reaction time is observed, and a reduction in the speed of response to stimuli is evident. Driving while intoxicated or under the influence of drugs is a criminal offense punishable by law, which can result in a prison sentence. However, if you are undergoing medical treatment and experience a decrease in your reaction time, we recommend that you refrain from driving.

• 5. Inappropriate speed.

            Maintaining excessive speed for an extended period requires constant tension and greater mental effort to react to unexpected events.

• 6. Changes in normal driving habits.

            Driving at night when one is not accustomed to doing so requires greater effort on the part of the driver.

• 7. Novice drivers.

            Since many of the processes involved in driving have not yet become second nature, these drivers need to pay closer attention and tire more easily.

• • Vehicle-related factors.

1.      Conditions inside the vehicle.

            These are just as important as the driver’s physical condition; an improper seat position or poor ventilation in the vehicle can negatively affect the driver’s physical or emotional well-being. During the winter, excessive use of the heater at high temperatures can increase feelings of fatigue. In contrast, during the summer, using the air conditioning can dry out the respiratory tract and cause headaches.

2.      Poor vehicle condition.

            Excessive engine noise or vibrations caused by steering or suspension defects can affect driving, making it uncomfortable and difficult.

3.      Climate control and air conditioning.

            Driving in extremely cold or hot temperatures causes discomfort, loss of concentration, headaches, etc., so the vehicle must be equipped with heating and air conditioning to maintain a comfortable temperature.

• External factors.

1.      Weather and road conditions.

            Adverse weather conditions such as rain, fog, or glare from the sun may require greater visual concentration. Poor road surfaces can increase vibrations and the effort required.

2.      Heavy traffic.

            Driving during rush hour or in heavy traffic requires constant switching between braking and accelerating, which can lead to increased stress and tension.

3.      Night driving.

            The absence of natural light and driving during hours of lower biological activity contribute to a state of drowsiness.

4.      Highway hypnosis.

            This phenomenon occurs when a driver is on the road without paying attention to driving, usually because they “are thinking about something else.” This problem can occur on any type of road, although it is more common on expressways and highways due to their monotonous nature.

5.      Driving on an unfamiliar road.

            This requires you to pay close attention to your surroundings throughout the entire trip.

6.      Certain types of road surfaces, or surfaces that are poorly maintained. 

            Excessive vehicle vibrations can compromise driving comfort and safety by making it harder to drive and increasing driver fatigue.