It's natural to think that a high proportion of these drivers are driving under the influence of alcohol, but is this really the case?
Many of us have experienced feeling tired while driving. Did you know that this can make you a far more dangerous driver than you think? If you've had less than five hours of sleep last night, it is strongly advisable to avoid driving.
How many hours of sleep did you get last night? Just a few hours of insufficient can have fatal consequences.
While it may seem obvious, fatigued drivers pose one of the most significant risks on the road. According to a survey conducted by Ipsos for Gjensidige, one in ten Norwegian drivers confess to having fallen asleep at the wheel, and an even larger number admit to nearly dozing off while driving.
It is estimated that drowsy drivers are the cause of 20-30% of all traffic accidents. Many dangerous situations occur as a result of short-term sleep episodes, commonly referred to as microsleeps. During such episodes, individuals experience a momentary loss of consciousness, which can cause them to drive the car for up to 10 seconds with eyes closed. The individuals may not necessarily be aware of these episodes, except for a sense of not remembering how they arrived at their current location.
But how little sleep is considered dangerous?
According to figures from a US survey by the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety, losing just a couple of hours of sleep per night can double the likelihood of being involved in an accident the next day. The risk quadruples if you have slept less than five hours, the survey shows.
At the same time, studies from the Norwegian Directorate of Health show that around one in three adults struggle with sleep on a weekly basis, while up to 15 percent of the Norwegian population has insomnia of a more long-term nature.
Getting enough quality sleep is crucial for both health and well-being, especially when you are on the road.
The Road Traffic Act equates fatigue with impaired driving, similar to driving under the influence of alcohol. Going 18 hours without sleep is equivalent to a blood alcohol concentration of 0.5%. While 18 hours without sleep may sound like a lot, it is equivalent to being awake between seven in the morning and one at night.
24 hours without sleep is equivalent to a blood alcohol concentration of 1%.
If you are involved in an accident and it can be demonstrated that you dozed off while driving, you will face similar penalties as someone under the influence of drugs. Fatigued drivers who drive negligently can be can be subject to a punishment of up to one year of unconditional imprisonment. Furthermore, your insurance company can hold you responsible for the entire sum of damages, known as recourse, and may raise premiums on future car insurance policies.
For extended drives, it's advisable to schedule sufficient breaks.
Many people resort to methods like drinking coffee, playing loud music and open windows to stay awake while driving. However, if if you sense fatigue taking hold, there's only one course of action. If your eyes start to glaze over, you should immediately find a place to pull over and take a 15-minute nap - or hand over the driving responsibilities to someone else.
On long trips, it is recommended to take a 45-minute break every four hours - preferably more often.
In any case, the recommendation from us at Safedrive is clear. The most effective measure to prevent fatigue while driving is to ensure you have had a restful night's sleep!
Would you like to go to the Norwegian edition?
