Understanding Driver Fatigue and How to Avoid Driving Drowsy
Long holiday trips can involve anything from 6–12 hours behind the wheel! Even experienced drivers can feel fatigued. Preventing driver fatigue on long trips is essential for keeping yourself and everyone else on the road around you safe.
Here are some strategies for staying alert, along with other nifty need-to-knows for road trip peace of mind.
What Fatigue Does to Your Driving
When you’re tired, your driving suffers in real ways. Did you know that tired driving can be just as risky as drunk driving?
Symptoms and consequences of driving drowsy:
- Slower reaction times.
- Difficulty focusing on the road or your mirrors.
- Micro-sleeps that last 1–5 seconds.
- Poor decision-making.
- Inconsistent speed control.
Smart Strategies to Stay Alert
1. Rest Well the Night Before: Start your trip with a full night’s sleep. A rushed 4-hour rest before a 700 km drive is unsafe.
2. Switch Drivers When Possible: Share the load. Even a one-hour break can refresh you.
3. Take Regular Breaks
Stop every 2 hours to stretch, hydrate, and get fresh air. Plan your breaks around well-lit petrol stations and rest stops.
4. Avoid Heavy Meals Before Driving
A full stomach often leads to drowsiness. Eat lighter meals along the way.
5. Mind the Heat
Hot cabins make you tired. Use ventilation and maintain a comfortable temperature.
6. Recognise Early Warning Signs
Yawning constantly, drifting in your lane, or struggling to keep your eyes open are signs to stop immediately.
Your Essential Road Trip Emergency Kit
A trip from Jo’burg to Cape Town can take up to 16 hours, or two days if you decide to have a sleepover along the way. Several things can happen, from traffic jams to burst tyres.
These boot staples can save the day:
- A charged power bank.
- First-aid kit.
- Torch with spare batteries.
- Jumper cables.
- Tyre inflator or sealant.
- Reflective triangle.
- Clean water.
- Basic tools.
- Snacks for long waits.
How Beame Supports Your Summer Travel
Your Beame device travels everywhere with you. It keeps you connected to fast, reliable vehicle recovery. Beyond that, Beame’s Value-Added Services help support your wider safety needs during the festive season.
MyPanic gives you instant access to emergency support through your smartphone. If at any time you feel unsafe or threatened or need an ambulance, simply press and hold the ‘HELP’ button in the app to activate a panic alert.
Beame Assist includes features such as Fines Assist and Bail Assist should you need.
Fines Assist will notify you of all traffic fines and then provide a hassle-free channel to settle the fines with possible reductions of up to 50%.
Of course, we want you to stay safe, and on the right side of the law, but if you are wrongfully detained or need immediate release, Bail Assist is a 24/7 service through which you can apply for help.
These services complement your Beame recovery device. They create all-around peace of mind during a busy season.
But first, Update Beame
Somewhere between installing Beame and today, your car registration number or address could have changed. We must always have your accurate and up-to-date details to enable us to assist you in an emergency situation. Please update your particulars right away in the app by saying ‘Hi’ to 087 240 6262 on WhatsApp.
While you’re there, test your device and confirm that your Beame Battery is up and running.
Your Holiday, Simply Sorted
Preparing your car for a holiday trip gives you the gift of peace of mind. A few checks, a calm approach, and the right support services make every kilometre more enjoyable.
Beame is with you for the entire journey. From Johannesburg to Jeffreys Bay, Pretoria to Plett, Cape Town to Clarens, your Beame travels with you and stands ready to help.
Safe travels. Great memories. Recovery simply sorted.
Dive deeper. Catch up on Summer Safety with Beame or Preparing for Bad Weather.
