Driving Tired

Driving Tired: Know the risks and how to avoid disaster

We’ve all had those long days where the idea of sitting behind the wheel feels like the last thing we want to do. But, in moments like this, we should all keep in mind that driving tired isn’t just inconvenient, it is extremely dangerous. Every year, driver fatigue contributes to serious accidents on Irish roads. If you’ve ever felt yourself struggling to stay awake while driving, you’re not alone. In this post, we’ll look at what causes drowsy driving, why it’s so risky, how to spot the signs, and what practical steps you can take to keep safe.

What causes drowsiness while driving?

Drowsy driving can happen for several reasons. Needless to say, the most obvious cause is lack of sleep, plain and simple. Whether you’re a shift worker, a parent with a newborn, or someone who simply stayed up too late, inadequate rest has a huge impact on your alertness behind the wheel.

Aside from lack of sleep, other common causes include:

  • Long, monotonous journeys: Motorway driving in particular can make you feel drowsy because of the steady pace and lack of variation.
  • Time of day: Your body’s natural circadian rhythm means you’re more likely to feel sleepy in the early hours of the morning and mid-afternoon.
  • Alcohol or medication: Even small amounts of alcohol, certain prescription tablets, or over-the-counter medicines like antihistamines can increase fatigue.
  • Underlying health issues: Sleep disorders such as sleep apnoea or narcolepsy can make you extremely tired while driving, even after a “full night’s sleep.”

Understanding the cause is the first step in addressing tiredness while driving and avoiding unnecessary risks.

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The dangers of driving tired and falling asleep at the wheel

Driving tired is often, rightly, likened to driving under the influence of alcohol. Research shows that being awake for 17–18 hours can impair your reaction time and decision-making as much as having a blood alcohol level higher than the legal limit.

Some of the biggest dangers associated with driving when less than fully rested include:

  • Microsleeps: These are brief, uncontrollable episodes of falling asleep which last a few seconds. Falling asleep while driving for even two or three seconds on a motorway can mean travelling the length of a football pitch with your eyes closed.
  • Slower reactions: Suffering with fatigue significantly delays your ability to brake, swerve, or notice hazards on the road.
  • Poor judgment: When driving with less than enough sleep, motorists often take risks they wouldn’t normally, like overtaking without enough space.

Sadly, accidents caused by drowsy driving are often severe because tired drivers don’t brake in time, if they have time to brake at all. It’s one of the most preventable causes of road collisions in Ireland today, so be sure that you’re feeling appropriately alert before getting behind the wheel.

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How to recognise the signs of fatigue and prevent falling asleep at the wheel

The challenge with driver fatigue is that it sneaks up on you. One moment you’re alert, the next you’re struggling to focus. Knowing the early warning signs of serious fatigue can help prevent falling asleep at the wheel:

  • Constant yawning or rubbing your eyes
  • Trouble keeping your head up
  • Drifting out of your lane or hitting rumble strips
  • Forgetting the last few kilometres driven
  • Difficulty maintaining a steady speed

If you experience any of these, you’re already at risk. As is the case with so many things, the best prevention is preparation. Aim for seven to eight hours of quality sleep before any long journey. Factor regular breaks into your plan, ideally every two hours. Avoid alcohol completely before driving and be cautious with medications that list drowsiness as a potential or expected side effect.

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What should I do if I start feeling tired when driving?

Even with the best preparation, there may be times when tiredness strikes over the course of your journey. If you feel extremely tired while driving, the worst thing you can do is “push through it.” Instead, follow these steps:

  • Pull over safely: Find a safe place to stop, such as a service station or car park. Avoid stopping on the hard shoulder unless it’s an emergency situation.
  • Take a nap: A short 15–20 minute nap has been known to dramatically improve alertness for drivers.
  • Grab a coffee: Caffeine takes about 20 minutes to kick in, so combining it with a short nap can be especially effective.
  • Stretch and walk: Moving your body increases circulation and helps shake off drowsiness.

Remember, tricks like opening the window, turning up the radio, or blasting the air conditioning won’t keep you awake for long! If you’re asking yourself how to keep awake while driving, the truth is: rest is the only truly effective way of combatting dangerous tiredness.

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Utilising Fatigue Monitoring Systems

Technology is increasingly playing a role in keeping motorists safe. Many newer cars now come equipped with fatigue monitoring systems. These use sensors and algorithms to detect signs of driver fatigue, such as steering patterns, lane deviations, and reaction times. When the system detects unusual behaviour, it can alert the driver with a sound, vibration, or dashboard warning and in many cases often suggesting a rest break. Some of the more advanced systems available today even track eye and head movements using internal cameras. While these tools are excellent back-ups, they’re not a substitute for sleep. Think of them as an extra safety net rather than a cure. If your car doesn’t have such a system, there are also aftermarket devices and smartphone apps that can help monitor your alertness levels.

For modern motorists, long commutes, road trips, and busy lifestyles can make driving tired all too common. But the risks are simply too high to ignore. If you’ve ever caught yourself struggling to stay awake while driving, consider it a clear warning sign. Whether it’s planning ahead, recognising the early symptoms of drowsy driving, or using modern fatigue monitoring technology, there are plenty of ways to keep you, your passengers and fellow road users safe.

The next time you get behind the wheel, remember: no deadline, appointment, or shortcut is worth the risk of getting behind the wheel while experiencing fatigue. Rest first, drive safe, and you’ll arrive where you need to be — awake, alert, and in one piece.

Check back with the Autoglass® blog again soon for more motoring tips, guides and explainers and as always, stay safe behind the wheel.

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