In France, it is forbidden to drive with blood alcohol level greater than or equal to 0.5 g/l blood or 0.25 mg/l exhaled air. In the event of an inspection, the police authorities are authorized to carry out blood alcohol screenings. And for good reason, “the alcohol driving is one of the primary causes of road fatality and remains involved in nearly a third of fatal accidents”, underlines Road Safety.
There are no regulations regarding the fatigue. However, if we are to believe a new scientific study published within Nature and Science of Sleep, The people who lack of sleep might be as dangerous behind the wheel as those who have consumed alcohol (above the legal limit). Researchers point out that approximately 20% of all vehicle accidents are caused by fatigue.
Having slept less than 5 hours the night before is risky
After synthesizing the results of 61 studies, the scientists found that the fact of sleep less than four to five hours during the previous night is associated with a doubled risk of a car accident. This is the same accident risk as when drivers have a blood alcohol level of 0.05%.
A driver’s risk of a crash increases dramatically with every hour of sleep lost the night before. Some studies even suggest that when a driver has slept between zero and four o’clock the night before, he multiplies his risks by 15.
The researchers call on drivers to be careful not to lack sleep before getting behind the wheel. “We might considerrequire a minimum of four to five hours of sleep before driving,” they say.
However, scientists are aware of the difficulty to put such a rule in place. “For the most part, drinking alcohol is something that individuals choose to do. However, some people have difficulty getting enough sleep, for example new parents, night shift workers and people with sleep disorders. For fatigued driving to be regulated would require significant public support.”
What are the rules to combat the risk of drowsiness at the wheel?
There are ways to prevent the risk of drowsiness driving.
Stop and rest as soon as you feel the first signs of fatigue (stiffness in the neck, pain in the back, fixed gaze) is essential.
Done a break every two hours at least. At night, a period conducive to drowsiness, do not hesitate to stop more frequently,
Don’t hit the road tired and avoid times when the risk of drowsiness increases (i.e. between 1 p.m. and 4 p.m., and between 2 a.m. and 5 a.m.). Respect them speed limits : driving fast makes you tired (the brain has to process more information).
Apply the principle ofenergizing nap” to recover quickly: take one or two cafés before taking a short nap. Caffeine takes 15 to 30 minutes before acting, its absorption does not interfere with falling asleep and allows you to recover all of your abilities when you wake up (no sleep inertia). If the driver’s medical condition prohibits caffeine, just wait 30 minutes before hitting the road once more following a nap.
