The SAS Survival Driver’s Handbook. John Wiseman

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СКАЧАТЬ Hypermetropia (longsightedness) and myopia (short-sightedness) are common problems which can be rectified by wearing contact lenses or glasses.

      • Colour blindness is for the most part a hereditary condition (about 8 per cent of men are affected and less than 1 per cent of women), though some cases do result from eye disease or injury.

      • Tunnel vision means that only objects which lie straight ahead can be seen clearly. Peripheral vision (the view to the sides) is gradually lost. The most common cause is glaucoma, but brain tumours and degeneration of the retina can have the same result.

      • Night blindness occurs when the cells of the retina (a light-sensitive membrane at the back of the eye) malfunction. There are a number of possible causes for this condition, including vitamin A deficiency. Sufferers will find driving at night difficult because they will have trouble judging and estimating distances, and the speed of other vehicles. Another problem which may be experienced in dark or low light conditions is over-sensitivity to glare. To compensate for poor light conditions, the pupil of the eye dilates to allow more light to enter. Some people are more affected by glare from oncoming headlights than others, and find driving at night difficult for this reason. But the solution is to see an optician — don’t try using tinted glasses, lenses or visors when driving at night or in poor visibility.

      For the majority of motorists, the most dangerous time is not night but dusk. As the light decreases, shapes lose their definition and objects seem to blend into their surroundings, making them difficult to see. Switch on your dipped beam headlights as soon as the light begins to fail.

      If an optician prescribes glasses or contact lenses, be sure to wear them. Leaving them off out of negligence or vanity puts yourself and others at risk. Keep a spare pair of glasses in the glove compartment, so that you won’t be stranded if you lose your contact lenses or break the glasses you’re wearing.

FATIGUE

      Falling asleep at the wheel happens all too often on motorways, with terrifying consequences. And even if you don’t go so far as to actually fall asleep, driving when you are tired means that your concentration and risk perception are impaired, so you’re more likely to have an accident.

      One of the most common causes of fatigue is lack of stimulation. On a motorway or a road that you travel every day and know like the back of your hand, driving gets to be monotonous. Fog, rain and darkness make matters worse because there’s even less to see. Because you’re not getting any visual or physical stimulation, your senses become dulled, your levels of awareness and alertness decrease. And the longer you drive, the worse it gets. A driver who is tired before getting into the car — after a hard day’s work or a sleepless night — is particularly at risk. Be careful if you have to drive at times when you would normally be asleep — more fatigue-related accidents occur between midnight and 8 a.m. than at any other time.

      Try to reduce the risk of fatigue by taking precautions:

      • A light meal like a salad, is best when you’re about to set out on a long journey. A heavy meal will make you sluggish and tired, whether it’s a roast lunch or a three-course evening meal.

      • Don’t take any medications that may induce drowsiness. Remember that drugs and alcohol can stay in your system for a long time.

      • Driving at night is difficult enough, but if you are suffering from any sight defect or disorder it can be very stressful and tiring. Have your eyes tested and wear glasses or contact lenses if prescribed.

      • If you know you have a long overnight journey ahead of you, try to sleep during the day. Prepare the car and do all the necessary packing and route planning, then rest. Avoid last-minute running around at all costs.

      • Rattles and squeaks can be irritating, so do what you can to reduce noise in the vehicle. Make sure any luggage in the back is packed securely and that you don’t have items rattling round on the floor of the car.

      • Make yourself comfortable. Bad posture causes aches and pains which lead to fatigue setting in. It’s particularly important when driving a hire car or a vehicle you’re not familiar with to take time adjusting the seat and steering before you set off.

      • Wear comfortable clothing that doesn’t restrict body movement or steering. Layers of light, loose-fitting garments are best, that way you can stop and add or subtract a layer to achieve the right temperature. NEVER try to get dressed or undressed at the wheel — you need both hands on the wheel and both eyes on the road.

      • Wear lightweight, flat shoes with enclosed or covered heels, and make sure that the soles grip the pedals. Nothing is worse than shoes which slip off the pedals when you’re trying to control the car (check that the pedal rubbers themselves are not worn and slippery).

      • Keep a window slightly ajar so that fresh air can circulate.

      • Wipers can be very hypnotic. If it’s raining and the wipers are on, don’t stare at them — the effect can be very hypnotic and you’ll slip into a trance-like state.

      • When planning your route for a long journey, pick out a few places where you can take a break en route. Aim to stop at least every three hours for a 20-minute break. If weather conditions are poor, you may need to stop more frequently. Mature drivers need more frequent and longer breaks to relieve fatigue.

      If you start to feel drowsy at the wheel, or if you’re driving at night and lights start to blur, it’s time to take a break. Pull into a layby or service area as soon as you can. In the meantime, do something to fight off the fatigue. Open the window and take deep breaths of fresh air. If you have a passenger, get them to have a conversation with you If you are alone, turn on the radio and sing along, or try giving a running commentary as you drive. Flex your fingers and toes, and stretch each arm and leg in turn while sitting at the controls. Don’t stare fixedly at one point. Look as far ahead as possible then check the mirrors left and right, then look ahead again. By focusing on objects close at hand and then in the distance, you will work the optic muscles and help to keep yourself alert.

      When you are able to stop the car, get out and stretch your legs. Go for a walk if it’s safe to do so. If not, do a few gentle exercises in the car. Try rolling your head gently, first one way and then the other. Make circular movements with your shoulders to release some of the tension in your neck and spine. Pour yourself a refreshing non-alcoholic drink before you set off again — dehydration can make you feel lethargic on long journeys.

DISTRACTIONS

      Safe driving means giving the road your full attention. Being distracted by something going on in the car, even for a split second, can have terrible consequences when you are travelling at speed. By the time you become aware of the hazard on the road ahead, violent braking or swerving may be your only option — which can have repercussions for the vehicles following along behind you. And even if you do have your eyes on the road, poor concentration slows your reaction times.

      Eliminate distractions wherever possible. Physical discomfort can take your mind off the road, so dress in loose-fitting clothes, wear sensible footwear, adjust your seat to a comfortable position, and visit the toilet before you depart. Tidy up the interior so that there are no loose items to fall about when you accelerate, brake or corner. Make sure that the driver’s footwell is kept clear, because if something were to roll under the pedals it could prevent you from applying the brakes in an emergency.

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