Driver Fatigue: Signs, Causes and How to Stop Tired Driving

Fatigue is a major cause of crashes. It slows your reflexes, dulls your attention and judgement and can make you fall asleep at the wheel.

Stop driving if you notice

• repeated yawning
• drifting across the lane
• eyes closing or fuzzy vision
• trouble keeping your head up
• unintentionally speeding up or slowing down
• daydreaming, or not remembering the last few kilometres

You are most at risk when

• you are driving at hours you would normally be asleep (10 pm to 6 am)
• you have not had enough sleep or have been awake for a long time (for example 17 hours)
• you drive as soon as you wake up
• you have been driving for more than 2 hours non-stop

Coffee or a short break will not cure fatigue. The only fix is enough sleep. If you are tired, stop and have a nap: even a 15-minute power nap can reduce your chance of a crash. Check that any medicine you take does not cause drowsiness.

On a long trip

• Get plenty of sleep first and plan to rest overnight.
• Share the driving when you can and take regular breaks.
• Avoid driving at times you would normally be asleep.
• Do not start a long trip after a long day's work.

Based on the Victorian Road to Solo Driving handbook and the VicRoads learner and probationary pages. Rules change from time to time, so check vicroads.vic.gov.au for the latest.