A microsleep is a very short, involuntary lapse into sleep, often lasting only a few seconds, that a fatigued person may not even be aware of afterwards. At highway speed, even a two- or three-second microsleep means travelling a considerable distance with no one actively steering or watching the road. Warning signs of driver fatigue include frequent yawning, heavy eyelids, drifting within your lane, and difficulty remembering the last few kilometres driven. The only reliable fix is rest — stopping to sleep, not just opening a window or turning up the radio, both of which offer only temporary and unreliable relief. Planning realistic rest stops on long trips is a genuine road-safety measure, not just a comfort choice.
Source: Arrive Alive Road Safety Initiative
Frequently Asked Questions
What are early warning signs of driver fatigue?
Frequent yawning, heavy or drooping eyelids, drifting out of your lane, and not remembering the last stretch of road you drove are all common early signs.
Does opening a window or playing loud music prevent fatigue?
These can offer brief, unreliable relief at best — they don't address the underlying need for sleep and shouldn't be relied on for long trips.
How long is a microsleep?
A microsleep typically lasts a few seconds, but that's enough time to travel a significant distance unsupervised at highway speed.
What's the safest response to feeling fatigued while driving?
Find a safe place to stop and actually sleep, even briefly — it's the only response that reliably restores alertness.