Men Are More Likely to Fall Asleep at the Wheel

A recent study from the Australian insurer AAMI found that men are twice more likely than women to fall asleep while driving. The research showed that 72 percent of male motorists drive for two and a half hours or more without a rest, compared with only 60 percent of female drivers.

Moreover, 13 percent of Australian motorists will drive for four hours or more without having a break. Worse, 23 percent admitted having momentarily fallen asleep behind the wheel, endangering themselves as well as the other traffic participants.

Furthermore, University of New South Wales found that one in five fatal crashes are linked to fatigue. It is well known that fatigue at the wheel may slow reactions down and reduce concentration, causing drivers to leave lanes, accelerating or decelerating without reason or failing to apply the brakes when needed.

AAMI Executive General Manager Anthony Durakovic said that the study wasn’t intended to suggest women are better-suited to driving than men, but to make a point of the importance of staying fresh and rested on long drives. “Along with speed and alcohol, fatigue is one of the main contributors to road fatalities and injuries,” Mr Durakovic said.


Here are some tips to avoid fatigue given by AAMI:

• Avoid starting a trip at the end of the day
• Ensure you are well-rested before you leave
• Don’t drive when you would normally be asleep
• Schedule regular rest breaks outside the vehicle – 10-15 min. rest every 90 min.
• Share the driving where possible
• Never drink alcohol (not even small quantities) before or during long trips
• Allow extra time and take a powernap if tired