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Watch for fatigue when driving this long weekend

You don't recall driving the last few kilometres? You didn't notice a vehicle until it suddenly passed you? Your driving speed is creeping up or down? They're all signs of fatigue and motorists are being urged to pull over and take a break if they no
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You don't recall driving the last few kilometres?

You didn't notice a vehicle until it suddenly passed you?

Your driving speed is creeping up or down?

They're all signs of fatigue and motorists are being urged to pull over and take a break if they notice any of them as they head out onto the highways this B.C. Day long weekend.

"The best way to prevent driver fatigue this long weekend is to get a good sleep and start your road trip when you are well rested, typically in the morning, rather than rushing after a full day at work," said Insurance Corporation of British Columbia road safety director Lindsay Matthews. "The signs of fatigue can sneak up on you so it's important to recognize the warning signs. Make sure you've gotten plenty of rest and plan to stop at viewpoints or rest stops every two hours."

Other signs of fatigue include yawning or daydreaming, wandering into the next lane, eyes that feel heavy or difficulty keeping your head up.

Fatigue slows a driver's reaction time, decreases awareness and impairs judgment. Even a slight decrease in reaction time can greatly increase your risk of crashing especially when travelling at highway speeds.

Pull over as soon as you start to feel drowsy. Get out and walk around to get some fresh air. If that's not enough, pull over to a safe area, turn off your car and take a nap.

Turning up the radio or air conditioning won't help. The only cure for drowsiness is sleep; it's better to arrive late than not at all.

And avoid driving during the night when you'd normally be asleep.

Long weekends always mean more vehicles on the road so plan ahead by checking road and weather conditions on drivebc.ca.