GEM offers advice to avoid fatigue

Written by: Fuel Card Services, Last updated:11th August 2020

avoid driving fatigue

Motorists up and down the country must appreciate the importance of avoiding fatigue when driving.

GEM Motoring Assist has therefore issued some top tips on how to avoid this dangerous state.

Recognise the signs of tiredness

“No one simply falls asleep without passing through various recognisable stages of tiredness and distraction,” explained GEM road safety officer Neil Worth.

As such, the warning signs to look out for include:

– Yawning or rubbing of eyes
– Thoughts wandering from driving
– Difficulty maintaining constant speed/road position
– Loss of time (difficulty recalling the last few minutes)

At this point, drivers can be said to be suffering from all of the key hallmarks of fatigue and, as a result, they should pull over and rest as soon as possible.

Taking a ‘power nap’ or consuming a caffeinated beverage can provide a short-term boost to alertness, but key to safety is being well rested at all times.

Mr Worth concluded: “A fatigue-related crash is around 50 per cent more likely to result in death or serious injury, simply because a driver who has fallen asleep at the wheel will be unable to reduce speed or change direction to avoid a collision.”

Ellie Baker, brand manager at Fuel Card Services, comments: “Tiredness kills and is a significant danger for all road users. Appreciating the warning signs and taking steps to avoid fatigue is therefore essential for all drivers.”

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