Never Drive Tired: How Fatigue Puts You and Others at Risk

By 3rd August 2023 July 22nd, 2026 Road Safety
Never Drive When Tired

Stay Alert, Stay Safe: The Risks of Driving While Fatigued

Driving while tired can be just as dangerous as driving distracted. Fatigue can lead to reduced concentration, slower reaction times, and micro-sleeps that may occur without warning. If you’re feeling sleepy, don’t continue driving- take a break, get fresh air, and rest. The only real cure for fatigue is sleep, and prioritising it can help keep you and other road users safe.

You SHOULD NOT drive while tired or fatigued. Research has shown that tiredness in drivers is a major road safety risk, both to themselves and others.

Micro-Sleeps
You can experience micro-sleeps if you are tired and fighting sleep.
These episodes can last up to 10 seconds and can be experienced even when your eyes are open.

During a micro-sleep of even 4 seconds, your vehicle can travel 100 metres (longer than a football pitch) without you being in control of your vehicle.

  • Never Drive if you are fighting sleep.
  • Prepare yourself for driving by ensuring you get adequate sleep.
  • If you are on any medication, check if it causes drowsiness.
  • Prepare your journey properly, and plan where you can take a safe break from driving.
  • Stop, have a drink and take a nap for a maximum of 20 minutes.
  • After the nap, if it is safe to do so, get some fresh air and stretch your legs.
  • You are suffering from a serious lack of sleep the only cure is sleep!

How CRASH Services Can Help You After A Car Crash or Accident

At CRASH Services, we specialise in helping drivers in Belfast, Newry, Derry~Londonderry and across Northern Ireland get back on the road quickly.

After an accident, our expert team will take care of:

And we do it all, at no cost to the not-at-fault driver.

Our service is free as we recover the costs from the third-party insurers.


Why Choose CRASH Services?

  •  Established in 1996
  •  Trusted by Hundreds of Thousands Local Northern Ireland Motorists
  •  No Cost to You, Costs Recovered from Insurers
  •  Complete Accident Management from Recovery to Repairs 
  •  99% Customer Recommendation Rate

Our Mission is Simple:

“To act with care for those involved in road traffic accidents.”

Need Help After an Accident in Belfast, Newry, Derry~Londonderry or anywhere across Northern Ireland?

Call us today on 028 9066 0244 or Request a Callback Today

CRASH Services, take care of everything, at no cost to you!

Frequently Asked Questions

  1. Why is driving while tired dangerous?

Fatigue can significantly reduce concentration, awareness, judgement, and reaction times. Tired drivers are more likely to miss hazards, make mistakes, and be involved in collisions.

  1. What are micro-sleeps?

Micro-sleeps are brief periods of sleep that can last from a fraction of a second to several seconds. They can occur without warning and, in some cases, a driver may not even realise they happened.

  1. Can I experience a micro-sleep with my eyes open?

Yes. A fatigued brain can briefly switch off even when your eyes appear to be open, causing a loss of awareness of what’s happening around you.

  1. What are the warning signs of driver fatigue?

Common warning signs include:

  • Frequent yawning
  • Heavy eyelids
  • Difficulty concentrating
  • Missing road signs or exits
  • Drifting within your lane
  • Trouble remembering the last few miles travelled
  1. Is driving tired as dangerous as other forms of impaired driving?

Fatigue can have a significant impact on driving ability by reducing alertness, slowing reactions, and impairing decision-making. Any condition that reduces your ability to drive safely should be taken seriously.

Translate »