Lowers concentration levels and extends reaction time.
Reduces hearing ability.
How to prevent driving fatigue:
Take a minimum 15-minute break after driving for two hours and stretch.
Don’t eat too much.
Don’t stare at the centreline of the road all the time.
Keep the vehicle well ventilated and at a comfortable temperature.
General advice in emergency situations
- Remain calm and do not panic; it will help you make rational, calm decisions.
- Try to brake in a straight line if possible.
- If you are driving at a high speed when the emergency occurs, try to avoid sudden steering since it may result in accidents that can otherwise be avoided.
- You can steer far more effectively at slower speeds. Slow down as much as possible to reduce the impact of a potential collision.
- Your main priority is to save lives. If an accident is unavoidable, take priority actions that ensure the safety of human life first.
- Turn on your hazard lights as soon as possible.
- Make sure you have emergency numbers and insurance numbers on hand at all times.
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FAQ
Read our Frequently Asked Questions.
Fatigue is one of the most underestimated road hazards. Research consistently shows that driving after 18 hours without sleep impairs performance similarly to a blood alcohol level of 0.05—above the legal limit in most Canadian provinces. Warning signs include frequent yawning, difficulty keeping your eyes open, drifting out of your lane, missing turns or signs, and being unable to remember the last few kilometres you drove. If you notice any of these, stop driving. A 20-minute nap can restore alertness far better than caffeine alone.
What works:
Stop and take a 15–20 minute nap in a safe, well-lit area
Coffee or caffeine—effective but temporary (peaks in about 30 minutes, wears off in 3–4 hours)
Taking regular breaks every 2 hours on long drives, stretching and walking briefly
Sharing driving duties with a passenger
What doesn't work:
Turning up the radio or opening the window—these have negligible effect on genuine fatigue
Pushing through: fatigue compounds over time—fighting through it doesn't work the same way it might in other activities
Energy drinks as a long-term solution—the crash after is real and can hit suddenly
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