You must have noticed that almost all policemen, when stopping drivers for checks, first of all, are interested in well-being – even if there is no reason for such a question, from your point of view. And red eyes or fuzzy diction are reasons to send the driver for a medical examination.
According to official statistics, the majority of accidents are committed by sober drivers! In many cases, accidents are caused by speeding. But often the banal loss of concentration due to fatigue and poor health is to blame. Driving in a painful or tired state greatly increases the likelihood of an accident.
It is not for nothing that high-class car rentals Dubai, for example, have a car rental service with a driver, not to mention the widest selection of comfortable cars, because in this case there are more chances not to make a mistake, because in a rental service of this level always work professionals, cheerful and rested.
And you certainly do many things, the consequences of which will arouse the suspicion of the inspector on the road.
- Don’t get enough sleep
A sleepy driver is dangerous to himself and others due to a slow reaction. But even more dangerous is that he can fall asleep at the wheel. And even if this micro-sleep lasts several seconds, the car will pass hundreds of meters at high speed during this time – it’s good if it’s in a straight line and without interference. And it’s terrible if there is a turn on the road at that time, a pedestrian, a tail of a “traffic jam”…
What to do? Not to be a hero, all the more so stupid (sleep is still stronger), and be sure to get enough sleep, especially before a long journey.
- Drink coffee and energy drinks
Coffee and energy drinks sometimes help to cheer up. But even a small bust can lead to a deterioration in well-being – rapid heartbeat and breathing, hand trembling, redness of the skin. Driving in this state is not very comfortable, and if a policeman stops you, you may be suspected of using illegal drugs.
Drinks containing caffeine and other stimulants should be treated with extreme caution and not consumed without measure, especially if you do not shine with good health.
- Get distracted
According to insurance companies, a distraction from the road causes at least one in 10 accidents, and about 49% of drivers are often or sometimes distracted from the road while driving. Driving and texting at the same time is 6 (!) times more dangerous than driving while intoxicated.
The majority of accidents occur precisely because of the fault of drivers, and if we look deeper into the situation, in terms of risk factors, it turns out that distraction often becomes a concomitant cause.
- Smoke a lot and often
Some drivers refer to cigarettes as a means of coping with drowsiness while driving. At the same time, they also claim that cigarettes calm the nervous system.
The truth is that tobacco contains substances that are comparable in effect to soft drugs, and in combination with some other substances, including those produced by the human body itself, they can slow down the speed of reaction and the adequacy of actions.
If you are a driver, it is better for you to stop smoking in any form.
- Taking strong medications
Be careful with the side effects of medications you take. For example, almost all drugs that relieve allergic symptoms have a sedative (hypnotic) effect, which means that drivers should not take them. Even soothing drops or tablets and cough mixtures can be dangerous. Both those and others contain substances that, when tested for alcohol or drug intoxication, can be taken as prohibited.
Therefore, do not drink medicines that you have not been prescribed, study contraindications and side effects, follow the dosage, and if in doubt, change to public transport or taxi.
Final words
Control your condition and attention. At the first sign of fatigue, ill health, or drowsiness, it is worth abandoning a long-distance trip or transferring control to another driver, rather than relying on dubious methods. Neither coffee, smoking breaks, nor loud music help to restore concentration, and the effect of cheerfulness will be superficial and short-lived.
Take care of yourself and be careful while driving!
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