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Beware of fatigue! This is how you prevent microsleeping at the wheel
Find out how drowsy driving puts you at risk in traffic and what measures you need to take to avoid accidents.
Beware of fatigue! This is how you prevent microsleeping at the wheel
In today's fast-paced world, it is becoming increasingly common for drivers to fall asleep at the wheel or fall into microsleep. What does this mean for road safety? The risk is incalculable, because at a speed of 100 km/h a driver covers 28 meters in one second with his eyes closed, as [nwzonline.de](https://www.nwzonline.de/motor-melden/augen-auf-im-strassenverkehr-gegen-sekunden Schlaf-am-steuer-pausen-einlegen_a_4,2,2595323662.html) reports. It becomes particularly dangerous when fatigue is combined with monotonous routes or heated cars and your attention decreases.
The primary responsibility for driving ability always lies with the driver. Fatigue can be caused by lack of sleep, unusual sleep patterns or health problems. Certain medications, such as neuroleptics and antidepressants, can also significantly impair your ability to drive. Warning signs of fatigue include yawning, inattention, and burning eyes, which is why it's important to take a break at the first sign.
Fatigue as a potential danger
According to a study by the ADAC, there were over 1,900 accidents with personal injuries in Germany in 2023 that were directly attributable to fatigue. 3,010 people were injured, 42 of them tragically fatal. Accidents in which the driver claims to have been tired can also have legal consequences. According to Section 315c of the Criminal Code, there is a risk of fines or even imprisonment as well as driving bans.
The sleep researcher Dr. Roland Popp reminds us that many tired drivers do not realize that they are in a microsleep. Specific signs include staring, lapses in memory, and unwanted changes in speed, which pose a serious risk to one's own safety and the safety of others.
Prevention and safety in road traffic
Around 25% of all accidents on German roads can be attributed to sudden sleep, which makes the entire issue even more explosive. Those who have long periods of wakefulness, sleep inadequately or drive at irregular times are at risk. Professional drivers, commuters and holidaymakers are particularly affected. Measures to prevent fatigue are simple: set off well-rested, take regular breaks and act immediately if you notice signs of tiredness.
- Mindestens alle zwei Stunden eine Pause einlegen.
- Kurze Powernaps von 10 bis 20 Minuten können helfen.
- Frische Luft und Bewegung fördern die Wachsamkeit.
Many modern new cars now have drowsiness warning systems that warn the driver in good time. Since 2022, these systems have been mandatory for new vehicle types in the EU in order to better protect vacationers and commuters. Active lane departure warning systems are also intended to help detect fatigue. Nevertheless, responsibility for your own safety always remains with the driver.
Overall, it's time to keep your eyes open and not just rely on technology. The simplest measures can often mean the difference between life and death. Anyone who is therefore busy driving carelessly should realize that their own safety and the safety of others are at stake. Be alert and take regular breaks!