Ever felt your eyes getting heavy while driving? Fatigue is one of the most underestimated dangers on the road. It slows your reaction time, reduces concentration, and increases the risk of accidents. Internationally, driver fatigue is responsible for at least 1 in 5 deaths on motorways, underscoring its critical impact on road safety.
Signs That You’re Too Tired to Drive
- Struggling to keep your eyes open or focus on the road
- Drifting into another lane or hitting rumble strips
- Forgetting the last few kilometres, you drove
- Feeling restless or irritable
How to Stay Alert Behind the Wheel
- Get enough sleep before a long drive – Aim for at least 7 hours of sleep.
- Take a break every two hours – Stop, stretch, and refresh yourself.
- Avoid driving late at night – Your body naturally wants to sleep between midnight and 6 AM.
- Stay hydrated and eat well – Dehydration can make fatigue worse.
- Dietary Considerations: Consuming healthy meals before driving can prevent fatigue. It’s advisable to avoid heavy or high-sugar foods that may lead to energy crashes.
- Switch drivers if possible – Sharing the drive helps you stay fresh.
- Environmental Adjustments: Simple actions like repositioning your seat and cooling down the cabin can help maintain alertness during long drives.
If you start feeling drowsy, pull over somewhere safe and take a short nap. No destination is worth risking your life for.
Drive with Confidence, Protect What Matters
Just as the Isipho Sami initiative is committed to making South Africa’s roads safer, ensuring you have the right car insurance cover is essential for your own peace of mind. Whether you’re looking for affordable car insurance, a car insurance quote online, or need to insure your car with comprehensive car insurance, Old Mutual Insure provides trusted solutions that keep you protected on every journey. Because road safety starts with responsible driving, and the right vehicle cover ensures you’re always prepared.