Driver fatigue is a major factor in commercial vehicle and personal vehicle accidents. The transportation industry has attempted to address the issue of driver fatigue. Some questions still remain. What causes driver fatigue and what can be done to prevent it?
The statistics are alarming. About 20% of all fatal road accidents involve driver fatigue. 30% of all fatal road accidents in rural areas are the result of driver fatigue. If you nod off while driving, your car is totally out of your control, putting you at high risk for injury or death. Falling asleep for just four seconds at 60 mph means your car has traveled 365 with no one controlling the vehicle.
Some felt that the comfort of the seat played a part in the fatigue of drivers. No matter what the comfort level of the seat is, after a period of time, the seat feels less comfortable. This is not a determining factor in driver fatigue.
Researches decided to evaluate comfort in drivers. Researchers have known that drivers experience increasing discomfort the longer they drive, but no one seems to know why. Initially, researchers assumed it was vibrations in the cabs of trucks that caused the discomfort. Later, it was found that vibration and acceleration are only a small part of driver discomfort.
Studies in the 90s found that the driver's posture and the seat structure also to be contributing factors to drive fatigue.
It is important to recognize the signs of fatigue:
- Eyes going in and out of focus
- Persistent yawning
- Wandering thoughts
- Inability to remember driving the last few miles
- Drifting
- Back tension, burning eyes
- Inattentiveness
Some important safety tips for overcoming driver fatigue:
- Maintain a regular sleep schedule
- When you notice signs of fatigue, get off the road. Take a short nap in a well-lighted area.
- Avoid driving between 12 a.m. and 6 a.m.
- Stop every 100 miles or every two hours to get out of the car or truck
- Keep the temperature cool in the car.
Keeping the temperature cool in the car is much easier if you drive with a ClimaCushion, the cushion that blows cool air on your posterior while you drive. Your overall comfort is assured with the ClimaCushion. It also provides comforting heat in the winter, just when you need it most!
