Driving when Tired

[Pies]

Take a 20min kip in the car before you set of

[DennisTheMenace]

Pro plus helps i used to work some very silly hours told them to stuff the job ,

[streaky]

I should have thought that if you are forced to work 12-hour shifts that your employer has an obligation to provide facilities to enable sufficient rest to be obtained - Streaky

[Don]

Denny's point about the Pro-Plus is a good one. Or a Red Bull. Both of these really work. But there is NO substitute for getting some kip. I think you should take this up with your employer. A couple of comfy chairs someplace isn't so expensive I'[d have though.

I used to work RIDICULOUS hours for a firm once - they provided us with a sofa so you could lie down and have a nap when it all got too much...

[mybrainhurts]

Turn up the sound........wind down the windows........SCREAM........ all the way home.

That'll keep you alert.

Isn't there somewhere to stop and hide for a nap? Pull the sunvisor down, set the seatback so you're slightly reclined and able to wedge your head into the head retraint, get a countdown timer/buzzer from Maplins, and you're set.

There are loads of places, if you use your imagination.

Don't forget to lock the doors, and be ready for the instant response....."don't smash the window, officer, I'm not dead........yet............"

[theLemming]

I know the feeling, Im currently running 12 hour shifts, 8pm to 8am.

Its not so bad doing the same hours during the day, but at night its a killer.

At least I have only a short 20 min hop home!

[bluepolarbear]

Gazboy said:

Could I suck a mint/ window open/radio up etc? I don't know what to do, any advice would soooo welcome.

Loughborough Uni has the UKs premier sleep research center. They have done lots of research into sleep and driving. You should have two cans of red bull and take a 15 min nap before starting (but no longer).

www.lboro.ac.uk/departments/hu/groups/sleep/applied.htm

[zoomzoomzoom]

Tesco "Kick" drink is the same thing as red bull (it seems) and a fraction of the price. Recently bought two 1 litre bottles for £1.50 (on offer). I often have a few glasses of it before the drive to work if I've had a late night or laid in a bit and need a kick start.

[Chrisgr31]

Simple answer is DON'T DO IT!

That guy Hart did and look what happened!

I have a suspicion that if your employers security men made you drive whilst tired and their was an accident Health and Safety would be after them. After all I seem to recall its now an offence for a company to require you to answer a mobile whilst driving without a hands free kit, and can't believe they are permitted to make you drive when tired.

No job is worth taking a risk of driving when that tired.

I think you should read the legislation about shift breaks particularly when working overnight.

[Roadrage]

iv done 14 hour shifs

ahd offten drove very long hours. but it aint a good idear for most.

Im just one of those that need very littel sleep.
and hav been know to be awake 72 hours at a time.