Watch for warning signs of drowsy driving this long weekend

As temperatures rise during the summer months, so do driver fatigue-related crashes.

By August, these incidents peak with one person killed and 88 people injured in 110 crashes for the month despite fatigue being underreported, according to Insurance Corporation of British Columbia.

“If you’re hitting the road this long weekend, ICBC is asking you to make sure you’re properly rested, hydrated and taking breaks from driving every two hours to reduce your risk of crashing,” the agency said.

“Driving while fatigued is an impairment which can be just as deadly as any other. It slows reaction time, decreases awareness and impairs judgment. Even a slight decrease in your reaction time can greatly increase your risk of crashing especially when travelling at highway speeds.”

Signs of fatigue include failing to notice a vehicle until it suddenly passes you, not recalling driving the last few kilometres, yawning and daydreaming, speed creeping up or down and wandering into the next lane, shoulder or centre line and eyes feeling heavy or having difficulty keeping your head up.

Travel in the morning. Drivers are prone to drowsy driving in the late-afternoon and at night when the body’s circadian rhythm dips. Avoid driving during the night when you’d normally be asleep.

“As soon as you become sleepy, the key is to stop driving,” ICBC says.

“Let a passenger drive or pull over when it’s safe, turn off your car and take a nap.

“The only cure for sleepiness is sleep. Opening a window, blasting the air conditioning or turning on music are not effective ways to keep you awake while driving.”

Also, leave enough following distance to give yourself time to react in case another driver on the road is impaired by fatigue. Look for warning signs such as a vehicle wandering out of its lane or its speed creeping up and down.

Over the B.C. Day long weekend, in the north central region, an average of 25 people are injured in 130 crashes every year.