FatigueSouth Africa
191. Fatigue
Fatigue reduces concentration, reaction time, judgement and the ability to stay alert while driving. It can develop after long periods behind the wheel, insufficient sleep, illness, irregular working hours or driving at times when the body normally expects rest. Warning signs include frequent yawning, heavy eyelids, difficulty keeping a steady speed or lane position and forgetting parts of the journey. Drivers should stop and rest as soon as they notice signs of tiredness and should not rely on caffeine, fresh air or loud music as substitutes for sleep.
Why is fatigue dangerous when driving?
Fatigue can slow reaction time, reduce concentration and impair judgement, increasing the risk of missing hazards or losing control of the vehicle.
What are common signs of driver fatigue?
Feeling sleepy while driving is a warning to stop and rest safely. NHTSA also identifies crossing roadway lines or hitting a rumble strip as signs of drowsiness. Do not wait for a lane departure before taking action; Great Britain’s Highway Code advises against starting a journey when tired.
What should you do if you feel tired while driving?
Stop at a safe place and rest before continuing. If possible, take a short nap or end the journey until you are sufficiently rested.

Traffic rules
South Africa