{"id":220491,"date":"2022-03-27T11:16:07","date_gmt":"2022-03-27T09:16:07","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/mypr.co.za\/?p=114247"},"modified":"2022-03-27T11:16:07","modified_gmt":"2022-03-27T09:16:07","slug":"avoid-driver-fatigue-the-silent-killer-on-sas-roads","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.myza.co.za\/press\/avoid-driver-fatigue-the-silent-killer-on-sas-roads\/","title":{"rendered":"Avoid Driver Fatigue, The Silent Killer on SA\u2019s Roads"},"content":{"rendered":"<aside class=\"scaip scaip-1 \">\n<aside id=\"republication_tracker_tool-2\" class=\"republication_tracker_tool clearfix\">\n<h5 class=\"adtitle\">Republish for Free<\/h5>\n<div class=\"license\">\n<p><button name=\"Republish This Story\" id=\"cc-btn\" class=\"republication-tracker-tool-button\">Republish This Story<\/button><\/p>\n<p><a class=\"license\" rel=\"noreferrer license noopener\" target=\"_blank\" href=\"http:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nd\/4.0\/\"><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Creative Commons License\" class=\"lazyload\" src=\"http:\/\/www.myza.co.za\/press\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/avoid-driver-fatigue-the-silent-killer-on-sas-roads.png\"><\/a><\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Creative Commons License\" src=\"http:\/\/www.myza.co.za\/press\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/avoid-driver-fatigue-the-silent-killer-on-sas-roads.png\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"message\">\n<p>Republish our articles for free, online or in print, under a Creative Commons license.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<\/aside>\n<p><span>South Africa\u2019s road network is a topic of both awe and dread. On the one hand, South Africa has arguably the best road infrastructure on the continent, and is often seen as the gateway to Sub-Saharan Africa. On the other hand, it is a deadly place where accidents happen and many lives are lost annually. One of the top causes of these accidents, according to research, is driver fatigue. Latest research indicates that, on South African roads, driver fatigue plays a role in as many as <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.dangerousgoods.co.za\/web\/Driver-Fatigue-Management\/#:~:text=Research%20on%20South%20African%20roads,%2D30%25%20in%20fatal%20crashes.&amp;text=To%20raise%20awareness%20of%20the,you%20to%20your%20destination%20safely.\"><span>20% of all accidents and 25%-30%<\/span><\/a><span> of fatal crashes. When looking at accidents in the long-distance trucking industry, this figure sky-rockets to <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.arrivealive.co.za\/Driver-Tiredness\"><span>60% <\/span><\/a><span>.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>What is Driver Fatigue<\/b><\/p>\n<p><span>Driver fatigue is a very real problem on our roads and is responsible for thousands of avoidable accidents each year, which injure and kill people. What is driver fatigue? It can be best described as a state of mind where the driver becomes so tired that they are no longer able to safely operate a vehicle. The effects of driver fatigue are many and varied, but some of the most common include:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><span>Yawning and rubbing of the eyes<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span>Frequent blinking<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span>Sore or heavy eyes<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span>Daydreaming or \u2018highway hypnosis\u2019<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span>Disconnection from what is happening on the road around you<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span>Slow reactions to events on the road<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span>Poor judgement<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span>Inability to concentrate<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span>Drowsiness<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><b>Most Common Causes of Driver Fatigue<\/b><\/p>\n<p><span>Many factors can contribute to driver fatigue, but some of the most common include:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><span>Prolonged periods of driving without a break<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span>Driving at night or during the early hours of the morning<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span>Driving in unfamiliar territory<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span>Driving in heavy traffic<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span>Driving in adverse weather conditions<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span>Taking certain medications that can cause drowsiness<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span>Not getting enough sleep the night before a long journey<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span>Emotional stress and\/or illness<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><b>The Effects of Driver Fatigue on South Africa\u2019s Road Network<\/b><\/p>\n<p><span><a href=\"https:\/\/mypr.co.za\/?attachment_id=114248\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" alt width=\"273\" height=\"182\" class=\"alignleft wp-image-114248 size-full lazyload\" src=\"http:\/\/www.myza.co.za\/press\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/avoid-driver-fatigue-the-silent-killer-on-sas-roads.jpg\"><\/a><\/span><\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignleft wp-image-114248 size-full\" src=\"http:\/\/www.myza.co.za\/press\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/avoid-driver-fatigue-the-silent-killer-on-sas-roads.jpg\" alt width=\"273\" height=\"182\">Driver fatigue is a major contributor to the high number of accidents on our roads. This, in turn, harms our economy as it costs businesses millions of rand in lost productivity each year. The social cost of these accidents is also high, with families losing loved ones and breadwinners. In addition, there is the emotional cost which can be difficult to quantify.<\/p>\n<p><b>What Can Be Done to Address Driver Fatigue?<\/b><\/p>\n<p><span>Several things can be done to address driver fatigue. Some of these include:<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>Plan Your Journey and Take Regular Breaks<\/b><\/p>\n<p><span>This is probably the most important thing you can do to avoid driver fatigue. When planning a long journey, make sure you allow for regular breaks. Take a break every two hours, even if you don\u2019t feel tired.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>Use a Road Trip App<\/b><\/p>\n<p><span>There are many road trip apps available that can help you to plan your journey. These apps can provide you with information on the best routes, as well as places to stop for food and fuel.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>Wear Quality Sunglasses<\/b><\/p>\n<p><span>When driving in the sun, it is important to protect your eyes. Wearing quality sunglasses will help to reduce the glare from the sun and make it easier to see.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>Avoid Driving at Night<\/b><\/p>\n<p><span>Driving at night is more dangerous as it is harder to see things in the dark, and the monotony of the undulating darkness makes one lose concentration faster. If you can, try to avoid driving between the hours of 10 pm and 6 am. This may mean changing your plans or leaving earlier in the day, but it is worth it to avoid the increased risk of accidents.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>Open the Window<\/b><\/p>\n<p><span>Getting some fresh air into the car can help to keep you awake. If possible, open the window on the driver\u2019s side so that you can get a breeze.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>Chew Gum<\/b><\/p>\n<p><span>This might come as a surprise but chewing gum can help to keep you awake and alert. It is also a good way to avoid snacking on unhealthy foods.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>Get a Good Night\u2019s Sleep<\/b><\/p>\n<p><span>This may seem like an obvious one, but it is important to get enough sleep before undertaking a long journey.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>Don\u2019t Drink Alcohol<\/b><\/p>\n<p><span>Alcohol can make you feel drowsy and will not help you stay awake. As such, it is important to avoid drinking alcohol if you are going to be driving.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>Avoid Heavy Foods<\/b><\/p>\n<p><span>Eating a heavy meal can make you feel sluggish and tired. If you are going to be driving for a long period, it is best to avoid heavy foods altogether.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>Drink Plenty of Water<\/b><\/p>\n<p><span>Staying hydrated is important for everyone, but it is especially important for drivers. Drinking plenty of water will help to keep you alert and awake.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>Avoid Taking Medication That Can Cause Drowsiness<\/b><\/p>\n<p><span>If you are taking medication that can make you drowsy, check with your doctor before driving.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>Make Sure Your Vehicle is in Good Working Order<\/b><\/p>\n<p><span>A well-maintained vehicle is less likely to break down, meaning you won\u2019t have to pull over to the side of the road. It is also important to make sure your tyres are properly inflated and that you have enough fuel for the journey.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>Share the Driving<\/b><\/p>\n<p><span>If you are driving with someone else, take turns driving so that neither of you becomes too tired. This will also help to reduce the risk of accidents.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>Sip on Coffee or Energy Drinks<\/b><\/p>\n<p><span>If you start to feel tired, a cup of coffee or an energy drink can help to perk you up. Just be sure not to overdo it, as too much caffeine can make you feel jittery and anxious.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>Be Aware of the Signs of Driver Fatigue<\/b><\/p>\n<p><span>If you start to feel tired, pull over and take a break. By being aware of the signs of driver fatigue and taking steps to avoid it, we can make our roads safer for everyone.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>Don\u2019t Drive if You Are Tired<\/b><\/p>\n<p><span>If you are too tired to drive, don\u2019t do it. It is not worth the risk. Driving when tired can be just as dangerous as driving under the influence of alcohol. If you are too tired to drive, don\u2019t do it. Rather stop and rest. Rather arrive late than never.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>Stay Safe on Our Roads: Avoid Driver Fatigue<\/b><\/p>\n<p><span>Driver fatigue is a major problem on our roads, but it is something that can be avoided if we are willing to take the necessary precautions. By being aware of the signs of driver fatigue and taking steps to avoid it, we can make our roads safer for everyone.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span>As the Easter holidays approach, many of us will be hitting the road on long trips to visit family and friends, but it is important to remember that driver fatigue can be a serious hazard. By being aware of the signs of fatigue and taking steps to avoid it, we can make our roads safer for everyone.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b><i>Additional Source<\/i><\/b><i><span>: <\/span><\/i><a href=\"https:\/\/www.arrivealive.co.za\/Driver-Fatigue\"><i><span>https:\/\/www.arrivealive.co.za\/Driver-Fatigue<\/span><\/i><\/a><\/p>\n<p><span>This original post was published at <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.startmycar.co.za\/blogs\/topclick\/avoid-driver-fatigue-the-silent-killer-on-sa-s-roads\"><span>https:\/\/www.startmycar.co.za\/blogs\/topclick\/avoid-driver-fatigue-the-silent-killer-on-sa-s-roads<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n<p><strong>Video:<\/strong> Avoid Driver Fatigue, The Silent Killer on SA\u2019s Roads<\/p>\n<p><strong>More Info on Avoid Driver Fatigue, The Silent Killer on SA\u2019s Roads here:<\/strong> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.startmycar.co.za\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">https:\/\/www.startmycar.co.za\/<\/a><br \/><strong>Twitter<\/strong>: <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/topclickmediasa\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">https:\/\/twitter.com\/topclickmediasa<\/a><br \/><strong>Facebook<\/strong>: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/topclickmediaSA\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/topclickmediaSA\/<\/a><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/mypr.co.za\/save-with-myprs-monthly-flat-fee\/\">CLICK HERE to submit your press release to MyPR.co.za<\/a>.<\/p>\n<div class=\"entry-pagination pagination\">Pages: <span class=\"post-page-numbers current\"><span class=\"screen-reader-text\">Page <\/span>1<\/span> <a href=\"https:\/\/mypr.co.za\/avoid-driver-fatigue-the-silent-killer-on-sas-roads\/2\/\" class=\"post-page-numbers\"><span class=\"screen-reader-text\">Page <\/span>2<\/a><\/div>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/mypr.co.za\">Source: MyPR.co.za<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Republish for Free Republish This Story Republish our articles for free, online or in print, under a Creative Commons license. South Africa\u2019s road network is a topic of both awe and dread. On the one hand, South Africa has arguably the best road infrastructure on the continent, and is often seen as the gateway to [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":220492,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_genesis_hide_title":false,"_genesis_hide_breadcrumbs":false,"_genesis_hide_singular_image":false,"_genesis_hide_footer_widgets":false,"_genesis_custom_body_class":"","_genesis_custom_post_class":"","_genesis_layout":"","ngg_post_thumbnail":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":"","jetpack_publicize_message":"","jetpack_publicize_feature_enabled":true,"jetpack_social_post_already_shared":true,"jetpack_social_options":{"image_generator_settings":{"template":"highway","default_image_id":0,"font":"","enabled":false},"version":2}},"categories":[3331,18,3332,9021,3336,1],"tags":[3257],"class_list":{"0":"post-220491","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-cape-town","8":"category-durban","9":"category-johannesburg-south-africa","10":"category-mypr","11":"category-pretoria-south-africa","12":"category-south-africa","13":"tag-mypr","14":"entry"},"jetpack_publicize_connections":[],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/www.myza.co.za\/press\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/avoid-driver-fatigue-the-silent-killer-on-sas-roads.png","jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.myza.co.za\/press\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/220491","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.myza.co.za\/press\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.myza.co.za\/press\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.myza.co.za\/press\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.myza.co.za\/press\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=220491"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.myza.co.za\/press\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/220491\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.myza.co.za\/press\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/220492"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.myza.co.za\/press\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=220491"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.myza.co.za\/press\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=220491"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.myza.co.za\/press\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=220491"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}