Driver fitness
Are you fit to drive?
It is important to be mindful of the factors that can impact your ability to drive safely. Substance use, such as alcohol and drugs, can impair your judgement and reaction time when operating a vehicle. Some medications, even those obtained with a prescription or over-the-counter, can have a similar effect. Additionally, stress, fatigue, and lack of sleep can also have a negative impact on your driving ability.
Fatigue
Driving while fatigued can be extremely dangerous and is often caused by a variety of factors such as:
- lack of sleep or rest
- emotional stress
- boredom
- driving for long periods of time
- physical activity
- illness
- eye strain.
Fatigue can also be intensified by factors like overeating, alcohol or drug use, or even a warm and comfortable vehicle.
Fatigue can increase the time it takes you to react. It can also impair your judgement and decision-making. This can result in driving errors such as driving off the road, into another lane, or into oncoming traffic. You may not realize that you are in a dangerous situation or be able to react quickly.
To reduce the risk of fatigue, do the following:
- Be sure you are well rested before you start your trip.
- Keep your vehicle at a comfortable temperature. Make sure it is well ventilated.
- Keep your eyes moving by scanning the road ahead and behind. Stay alert to your surroundings and check your vehicle’s gauges.
- Use sunglasses on bright days.
- If you are feeling tired, stop for a rest. Walk around your vehicle.
- Do not drive after drinking alcohol or taking drugs.
Medications
Some prescription and non-prescription (over-the-counter) medications can have an impairing affect on your vehicle-handling ability, judgement, and responsible decision-making when operating a vehicle. Side effects can include drowsiness or dizziness. Talk with your doctor and pharmacist. Know the effects of all prescription and over-the-counter medication you are taking before operating any motor vehicle. Know what the effects of alcohol or drugs will be if you combine them with your medication.
Alcohol and drugs
Drinking alcohol and driving is a dangerous combination that puts yourself and others on the road in great peril. Driving while impaired continues to be a major cause of traffic deaths and injuries in Alberta.