Most road accidents are caused by fatigue and inattention. The two are related, especially if you consider the mental state of most people today. That’s why awareness is crucial – it is always true, but even more so when you are tired! What can you do to avoid accidents? Especially if you are travelling in a foreign country. Let’s see.
A dangerous business
Unless you have a particularly dangerous job like that of a firefighter or a soldier, driving is probably the most dangerous thing you do on a daily basis. As much as cars have improved in terms of safety (God bless Volvo for the three-point seat belt, but indeed, EVERY single component of today’s cars is vastly safer than the old ones), there are still a lot of accidents. Here are some sad statistics:
- There were 42,795 fatal car accidents in the US in 2022, that’s more than 117 a day.
- In 2022, there were 11,161 accidents resulting in personal injury in Hungary.
- 396 people were killed in road accidents in Hungary in 2022
This begs the question: why do so many people die on the roads? Especially as never before have we had such safe cars and never before have the roads been so good in this country. So what is causing this sad trend? Well, it’s the 21st century.
For most of us, the 21st century has so far been a century of exhaustion and stress, leaving many of us tired, rushed and distracted.
The century of sleeplessness and overdrive
The 21st century has brought an undeniable chaos and an unprecedented abundance for humanity. And with the riches came the embarrassment of riches, the Fomo sapiens, who keeps turning his head left and right in the mall, then runs screaming towards the exit after half an hour because they are exhausted.
Everything has sped up; not just cars, but us humans too. However, while a Tesla is capable of vastly more power than a Trabant, our brains’ hardware hasn’t been updated much in the last five decades, so we’ve been trying to do 120 mph on the highway with a quasi-Trabant ever since. Which, after all, can be done… for about ten minutes, on a downhill slope while flooring it, and with a tailwind.
It’s just obviously not going to be very beneficial to the engine. Smoke starts to rise, the coolant boils up and, all in all, the mechanic will give us a dirty look when we roll in to him with a sense of guilt, towing the poor broken or apparently dead vehicle.
Well, most of us do something like this with our brains. We are buzzing around all the time, playing four-dimensional chess all day long, juggling a hundred balls and then we are surprised when one of them occasionally falls to the ground. And if we are 10 minutes late to collect the child from the nursery, no big deal – except that the little prince/ss will meet us with an angry look. But if we skip just a second behind the wheel… well, that’s what leads to a collision. Or something that is even more serious. But thank goodness there are far fewer serious accidents than minor collisions! But what can you do to avoid unfortunate minor accidents and the more dangerous, serious ones?
Driving precisely and fine…
To paraphrase Attila József, the Hungarian poet’s famous line: driving precisely and fine, just like stars are moving in the sky, is but worth it. Which doesn’t mean grinding all along, it means not just looking and pressing the accelerator, but also seeing and sometimes stepping on the brakes. We must also do our best to react in time to unexpected situations.
That’s all well and fine, it’s just much harder when you’re exhausted, sleepless or stressed. Especially in unfamiliar terrain, for example on a trip abroad. Here are some tips and tricks to keep in mind when you’re driving!
- Try to get a good night’s sleep before you set off, so you’re fresh for the trip!
- If you can, plan your trip so that you can drive during daylight hours! The key is to avoid getting in the car at a time when you’re usually in bed and asleep.
- If you can, AVOID driving when you’re too tired!
- If you have a passenger with you, talk to them to keep your mind awake!
- If you’re feeling really tired and have to drive, have an energy drink or coffee, and stay hydrated!
- If possible, take alternative routes to avoid boring and monotonous straight road sections!
- Don’t eat heavy, fatty or carb-loaded food during the trip, as it can make you feel sleepy and can trigger a food fatigue!
- When you feel the tipping point is coming, stop for a few minutes! Get some fresh air, move around a bit, and let your blood circulation and the cool breeze do the work. Once you’ve come to your senses, you can move on!
- Drive sensibly / a little slower! Essentially, the danger lies not in the fatigue itself, but in the loss of focus and the increased reaction time. If you drive slower, it’s easier to pay attention and you’ll have more time to react than if you’re zooming down the road at 150.
- You should also be aware that some medicines can cause fatigue, so it’s a good idea to read the package leaflets, but you can also consult your GP about the use of medications.
If you follow these tips, you will have already done a lot to improve your driving safety. And you’ll also be able to take care of the dangerous situation that someone else is creating. Always pay attention to your own safety and the safety of others, and if necessary, pull over and stop driving. Find a motel or a safe parking lot, get some rest, then continue the journey.
When travelling abroad, renting a car from a reliable partner is a great option.
Renting a car for international trips with Schiller
If you’re planning a trip abroad but don’t want to or can’t drive your own car, it might be worth renting one. Schiller Rent’s car rental services are a great solution whether you intend to travel within or outside of Hungary. Our comprehensive portfolio and helpful customer service ensure that you can start your journey with the right car to suit your needs!
Are you interested in renting a car with Schiller Rent? Check out the options!