Drowsiness at the wheel increases the risk of collision up to eight times. Yet, nearly half of Walloon drivers (46%) admitted to driving while sleepy in the past month, according to a study by the Walloon Agency for Road Safety (AWSR) published on Friday.
Drowsiness reduces alertness, significantly raising the risk of serious accidents. "In risky situations, a tired driver will either not brake or brake too late, and won't attempt an evasive manoeuvre, intensifying the impact of the collision," the AWSR explained.
Lack of sleep, irregular working hours, and long, monotonous drives all contribute to drowsiness at the wheel. The switch to daylight saving time, scheduled for the last weekend in March, particularly heightens this risk during morning journeys, the agency warned.
The AWSR study, conducted among 1,000 Walloon drivers, also revealed that 38% of respondents rate their sleep quality as average or poor, while a third suffer from sleep disorders. However, one in three drivers believes they can combat fatigue while driving.
The agency advises ensuring adequate sleep before driving, staying well-hydrated, avoiding alcohol and certain medications, and stopping at the first signs of fatigue. It also recommends taking 15-minute breaks every two hours.
To address this issue, a drowsiness alert system has been mandatory in all new vehicles sold within the European Union, including older models still on sale, since July 2024. "While these technologies represent significant progress, they cannot replace driver alertness or the critical need for quality sleep," the AWSR concluded.
