There are probably times when you’ve been irritated by a car ahead that is moving much slower than other traffic. The car may be in the slow lane to the side but you are caught behind because there is a lot of traffic moving in the other lanes. Some drivers may even be so irritated and create a dangerous situation by tailgating the car ahead, driving right up to the bumper to ‘urge’ the driver to go faster.
There are probably good reasons why the driver is going so slow. He or she may not have confidence even though possessing a driving licence. The car may have some problem that is preventing it from going faster. The person is not feeling well so he is taking it easy. Lots of reasons but drivers behind won’t be aware and only know they are having to drive slowly and are unhappy.
One driver took the initiative to try to let others behind understand why he was going so slowly. He pasted a handwritten message on his bootlid which read: “Sorry xleh laju wife czer” (sorry cannot go fast, wife had czer). For those who are unfamiliar with ‘czer’, it’s a reference to ‘caesarean section’ (c-section) which is an operation done to bring out the baby through a cut made in the abdomen. This is done in the event that a normal delivery cannot be done for various reasons.
It’s not unusual if a car owner would like to personalize his car, making it different from the thousands of similar ones on the road. Even repainting the car to a different colour can be considered personalization and of course, there are many accessories that can be added.
However, the JPJ does also remind motorists that changes made to the car may be illegal in some cases as they may be considered modifications. For instance, the installation of a large rear spoiler might be excessively large and that would not be permitted. Changing of headlight bulbs is also an offence although changing the wheels has been generally allowed, provided they are of the same dimensions as the original wheels.
One dangerous personalization practice that has been highlighted by our fellow motoring journalist Hezeri Samsuri of Careta is the darkening of the rear lights. It may be trendy or sporty but it blocks the illumination of the brake light completely. That, of course, is very dangerous as drivers behind won’t know the car is braking and might ram into it.
As a leader in automotive safety, Volvo has obviously stayed abreast of all developments which affect drivers and driving. Understanding that maintaining concentration on driving and on the road ahead are vital for safety, the focus has always been to minimise distractions.
In the early 2000s, for example, the company introduced IDIS (Intelligent Driver Information System), an innovative feature in the S40. IDIS helped the driver prioritise the information and services in the car depending on the current driving situation. If necessary, the system would delay incoming phone calls and other information during times when the driver was in a situation of higher ‘workload’.
2nd generation of the S40 had IDIS (Intelligent Driver Information System) to reduce distractions during times when the driver was in a situation of higher ‘workload’.
More distractions today
In more recent times, with the increased use of smartphones and touchscreens inside cars, there has been a growing debate around the dangers of distraction behind the wheel. There are laws that restrict use of mobilephones during driving, and to address this, manufacturers installed handsfree systems to manage calls.
However, the safety experts at Volvo Cars see the issue n a different light. They say that distraction is ‘a fact of life’, and that technology should be used to support people in their daily commute. The company’s own safety research and behavioural science work suggests that when used correctly, modern technology inside the car can actively reduce distraction, boost road safety and help people to be better and more focused drivers.
“It is easy to think that phones and screens are the only scourge of the modern driver, but life as a whole is distracting,” said Malin Ekholm, Head of the Volvo Cars Safety Centre. “We know people do not get distracted on purpose, but it happens. You could be late for an appointment and somewhat stressed, or you get behind the wheel after a bad day at work – all this affects you as a driver.”
Perhaps older cars were ‘safer’ because the driver had less devices on-board to distract him?
How drivers and society really operate
Some would say that from a distraction point of view, a car from the 1940s is safer than today’s cars – after all, it does not contain a screen, phone connectivity or even a radio. But that is not how today’s drivers and society operate.
“The reality is that people want to engage with friends, family, work and entertainment, and everyone responds differently to distraction,” said Ekholm. “So we want to meet our customers where they are, not where we want them to be. That is why our focus is on using technology in the right way, so we can use it to help you stay safe behind the wheel.”
Volvo Cars actively uses technology to combat the dangers of distraction, so as to offer some of the safest cars on the road. For example, its Active Safety systems with autobrake and steer assist are designed to be on guard to help drivers if they lose concentration or are distracted for a split-second.
All-electric XC40 Recharge has a new Android-powered infotainment system that can help reduce distractions.
Andorid-powered infotainment system
In the new XC40 Recharge Pure Electric, an advanced voice control on Volvo Cars’ new Android-powered infotainment system allows drivers to control the temperature, set a destination, play their favourite music and podcasts or call their mum on her birthday – all while keeping their hands on the wheel and eyes on the road ahead.
“Being able to control key features on your Volvo by voice allows you to keep your hands on the wheel and your eyes on the road,” said Ekholm. “Active Safety systems such as City Safety, Run-off Road Mitigation and Oncoming Lane Mitigation with Steer Assist can act as an extra pair of eyes watching over you.”
New XC40 Recharge
Volvo Cars believes that distraction should also be addressed via in-car cameras and other sensors that monitor the driver. With such technologies, if a clearly distracted (or drunk) driver does not respond to warning signals and risks a serious, potentially lethal accident, the car could intervene.
That intervention could involve limiting the car’s speed, alerting the Volvo on Call assistance service and, as a last resort, actively slowing down and safely parking the car. Volvo Cars plans to start introducing these cameras on the next generation of Volvo’s scalable SPA2 vehicle platform.
Volvo has already installed Active Safety Systems that can spot pedestrians and animals on the road and stop the car if the driver does not take the right action.
Humans have not changed much during a couple of thousand years. It’s a huge challenge to educate a human being into the perfect driver so Volvo designs its vehcles instead to help prevent the driver from having an accident – and to protect everyone in the car as well as possible if a crash is unavoidable.
The statistics show that that drunk driving is the cause in only a small percentage of the total accidents and deaths. However, in recent years, there seem to have been an increasing number of accidents caused by drunk drivers which have been very serious, causing deaths of other innocent people.
Perhaps there are more such incidents but it is only the ones that cause injuries and deaths that get publicised. In America, one study found that a driver could be drunk over 80 times before getting arrested for such an offence.
There are already laws in Malaysia – and more severe penalties have been proposed by the Transport Ministry – but enforcement is still necessary. Strict enforcement is obviously a way to reduce drunk driving but the police can’t be stopping people all the time to check. Motorists would usually be stopped only if they show signs of being drunk but sadly, it is often too late and they kill someone before they are stopped.
What the manufacturers are doing
The car manufacturers have, over the years, come up with various ideas to address drunk driving. Some have developed devices that can detect if a driver has a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) above permissible levels and prevent the car from being started. But legal issues have probably prevented such devices from being introduced, not to mention the possibility that people may just not want to buy the car.
So the best they can do is to install systems that can detect possible drunk driving by the way the car’s movements. Weaving or departing from the lane could indicate that the driver has lost concentration due to fatigue or due to being drunk and cannot maintain proper control of the steering.
The early systems, like the ATTENTION ASSIST introduced by Mercedes-Benz ten years ago, shows a coffee cup on the instrument panel when low attention is detected. The indicator is to suggest to the driver that a break is advisable, and some systems may also suggest nearby places to stop at if a route navigation system with Points of Interest is present.
Mercedes-Benz ATTENTION ASSIST shows a coffee cup to alert the driver when the driving seems ‘unusual’.
The system continuously monitors over 70 parameters – after first determining your unique driving style. It would work as advertised for most people but could be fooled by a driver who starts off weaving crazily and the system thinks that is the ‘normal’ driving style!
Besides passive systems, there are now active systems which use cameras monitor the vehicle’s position within a lane. In the Ford Ranger, example, there is a Lane Keeping Alert which warns the driver by vibration of the steering wheel when the vehicle appears to be moving out of the lane unintentionally. Some systems may also exert a slight force on the steering wheel to move the vehicle back into the lane properly.
Such intelligent systems can help to reduce the dangers of drunk driving but not all vehicles have them. Local car companies are adding more active safety systems (like Perodua’s A.S.A. system which has automatic emergency braking) as they become cheap enough not to impact the price.
So it is still up to the driver to be responsible enough not to drive if he or she is aware of being drunk. They should understand that an accident, especially one which causes a death has major consequences. Apart from the penalties (fine and possibly jail) and injuries, there can be a serious impact on the lives of those whose loved one was killed or seriously injured. If the court decides to take the driving licence away for a certain period – or forever – that can also affect the employment situation.
Signs of being drunk
The obvious signs would be the physical ones, of course, such as walking unsteadily or being unable to unlock the car door. But people who are drunk often do not realise it or if they do, they will argue that they are ‘okay’ and can drive home.
If they manage to start the car and drive, then there are many signs that will warn of their dangerous condition. Because their judgement is impaired, they might bump into kerbs – or even hit things. In many case, they may drive slowly but brake erratically and might turn suddenly.
The most dangerous conditions are when they don’t pay attention to traffic lights, weave into other lanes and even drive on the wrong side of the road. There have been reported cases where innocent motorists have died as a result of head-on collisions by drunk drivers on the wrong side of the road. Even worse are those who are drunk and speed or ever race with others and have a very high risk of crashing.
What you can do
As mentioned earlier, a drunk driver may not always be aware so it is hard to avoid in the first place. Avoiding alcohol when out at parties or socialising would be one way. But there are often times when others ‘pressure’ you into drinking ‘just one’ – which can lead to another… and another. And then there is that ‘one for the road’ which should be avoided.
The ’hardcore’ drinkers may have a high tolerance and also be more resistant to suggestions of being drunk. But for those who realise they have had too much to drink and are responsible enough not to drive, the thing to do would be to call a taxi or be sent home by someone else. If someone is available to drive your car, then that would be helpful. Ideally, one person in the group who is a non-drinking person can be a designated driver. It is important not to accompany someone driving the car who is obviously drunk as your life will be at risk.
Accidents due to drunk driving will continue even with stricter laws and more severe penalties. So motorists need to be more responsible and those who are with them also need to help prevent friends who are drunk from driving.
The sunvisor as we know it has been around since the earliest days of the motorcar, at least after the driver had the protection of a body around the seating area. While the windscreen glass prevented the onrush of wind from causing discomfort and affecting vision, it did not stop the rays of the sun from blinding the driver.
Back then, drivers must have attached some sort of board to the upper part of the windscreen to block the sun. Later on, when carmakers realised it was something to address, they provided a small panel which could flip up when not needed. In the 1970s, a ball joint was used at one corner so the sunvisor could be flipped to the side so that it could also block the sunshine if it was not coming from the front.
The sunvisor is one of those things in a car which has never evolved, maybe because its function is so basic. Other than adding a mirror (some with illumination) and sleeves to store cards or papers, the sunvisor is the same as what it was decades ago.
Driving towards the evening sun can often be blinding, even with a sunvisor. This innovation could eliminate the discomfort (and danger to driving).
Blocks the sun but not the view
Now a group of engineers at Bosch have come out with an innovation for sunvisor design which can block the sun without also blocking a driver’s view of the road. It achieves this by using an LCD panel instead of the usual cardboard or foam-filled panel. The panel can be flipped up when not needed.
There’s also a camera which is pointed at the driver’s face to recognise facial features like the nose, mouth, and, most importantly, the eyes. The camera’s video feed allows a computer to use AI to recognise shadows on the driver’s eyes and darkens only the areas on the visor where the sunlight is strong. The AI varies the darkening and generally, there should be enough areas that are not darkened for the driver to have a clear view ahead.
The Virtual Visor, as it is referred to, is not an official Bosch product yet. It was shown at the CES 2020 and described as a project which three of the company’s engineers worked on in their free time. If the company sees potential to commercialise it, then it would have to go through stringent development processes to ensure durability, safety and all the things that carmakers will demand if they are to adopt it.
While housewives may be able to limit their driving as their pregnancy progresses, there are many women who will still be driving to work daily. During this journey to parenthood (if it’s the first time), mothers-to-be need to continuously make in-vehicle adjustments to ensure optimal positioning and safety while driving.
To help engineers better understand the needs of expectant mothers, Ford Motor Company designed an ‘empathy belly’ – or pregnancy suit. This maternity suit adds an extra 13.6 kgs of weight (the average weight gained during pregnancy) and simulates the bulkiness and discomfort of the third trimester of pregnancy, helping engineers design vehicles that enable expectant mothers – and a broad range of drivers – to make necessary adjustments that support safe driving.
Based on insights gained from wearing the empathy belly, here are top tips from Ford to further help women drivers on the road to motherhood.
Seatbelt safety
Ensure the seatbelt has a snug fit. Pull the seatbelt over the shoulder, between the breasts and to the side of the belly. The lap portion of the belt should be located at the hip, and below – not across – the abdomen, making sure it lies as flat as possible under the curve of the belly. Never put the shoulder belt behind or under the arm, as this can cause serious injury in the event of an accident.
Make proper vehicle adjustments
Move the seat back to a comfortable distance from the pedals, ideally sitting about 25 cm away from the steering wheel, to protect the abdomen if the airbag deploys in a frontal collision. If the car’s steering wheel is adjustable, point the centre of the steering wheel away from the belly and toward the chest. After changing the seat position, be sure to adjust the rearview and outside mirrors. Should backaches occur, place a small round pillow or rolled towel behind the lower back to improve comfort while driving.
From snack attacks…to nausea
Food cravings (and ‘morning’ sickness) can happen at any time of day. Be sure to pack plenty of water and favourite snacks to satisfy those cravings. Keep extra ‘nausea bags’ in the purse and glovebox. And always avoid distracted driving – pull over to a safe place when hunger or sickness strikes.
Have a rest… or avoid driving
The ‘pregnant brain’ endures more strain than usual, so map out trips in advance (use Waze to see how long the journey might take). Avoid driving long distances if possible, and take frequent breaks to promote blood circulation in the feet, since feet and ankles swell more easily when sitting for extended periods of time. So take a break, and stretch and move the legs, feet and toes.
Better still – avoid driving when possible. For expectant mothers, the middle rear seat is the safest place in a car (as long as it offers a shoulder and lap belt). But if seated in the front passenger seat, push it back as far as possible to protect the abdomen if the airbag deploys.
Shop for a childseat
Once the baby has arrived, a childseat will be necessary and an infant seat will be the type to use during the first 2 years. After that, depending on the speed of growth, a bigger seat will be needed. Unless really necessary, the childseat should be installed at the back instead of the front passenger’s seat. A small wide-angle ‘baby mirror’ can be installed on the ceiling so the driver can watch the back without having to turn around frequently.
Daytime Running Lights or DRLs are a common lighting feature on many vehicles today, even the lower-priced ones. Their original purpose was to increase conspicuity of the vehicle during the daytime, or in poor or low lighting conditions, alerting other road-users earlier. It offers the same safety benefit as a motorcycle’s headlight being kept on all the time.
An approaching vehicle that has a DRL will be visible earlier to the driver, reducing the chance of a head-on collision.
Born in the USA
Like the Third Brake Light (or Centre High Mounted Stop Lamp, which is the correct term), the DRL came into use in the USA although, initially, there was controversy and some states did not allow it. In Europe, though, there was easier acceptance in regions like Scandinavia where lighting conditions are low much of the year (especially during winter). Although Finland required vehicles travelling on rural roads to have DRLs slightly earlier. Sweden was the first country to require vehicles to have DRLs, introducing the law in 1977, although Finland required vehicles travelling on rural roads to have DRLs slightly earlier.
In the USA, though, the DRL was not considered as being important enough and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) felt that the conditions did not make them necessary. There were also critics who argued that they were more a danger than a contribution to road safety. Back then (the 1980s), the DRLs were very bright in order to be effective in the daytime. As they were in a fixed position, their height on some vehicles (like pick-up trucks or SUVs) could also result in the light shining straight into oncoming drivers’ eyes.
Nevertheless, the value of DRLs was considered to be great enough that General Motors actively lobbied the NHTSA to support their usage and subsequent mandatory requirement. One presentation by the carmaker elaborated on studies made of the effectiveness of DRLs after they became compulsory on vehicles in Sweden. An 11% reduction in daytime collisions was observed while two-vehicle head-on collisions were reduced by 10%, and collisions involving cyclists and road-users on 2-wheelers were reduced by 21%. Collisions involving pedestrians were reduced by 17%.
In places where there are winter conditions, lighting is low so having DRLs which are on all the time has proven effective in reducing accidents.
Opposition to use of DRLs
In early 1987, the NHTSA agreed to permit the installation of DRLs but this proposal was terminated in June 1988 because there was strong and influential opposition. GM then petitioned, in 1990, for the optional use of DRLs which was accepted and addressed a multitude of state laws which had the effect of not allowing the use DRLs.
General Motors installed simple DRLs on some of its models from 1995 and made them standard across the range from 1997.
GM began to install DRLs on some of its 1995 model year vehicles and within 2 years, DRLs were standard equipment on all GM vehicles sold in the USA. Besides GM, Saab, Volvo and Volkswagen were also the first manufacturers to introduce DRLs in the US market.
Outside North America, carmakers also began to add DRLs to their vehicles as new marketing features. There was no compulsion (other than in countries already having DRL laws) to install them so the appearance of the additional lights within the headlamps was progressive, subject to costs going down.
In the early 1980s, Volvo introduced the DRL concept in the Malaysian-assembled 240 by having the corner lights on all the time. Unfortunately, our high temperatures all year round caused an unexpected problem.
Unexpected problem in Malaysia
The first ‘DRL-equipped’ cars in Malaysia were from Volvo in the early 1980s. At that time, the DRLs were not really separate lighting elements as we know them today but bulbs were kept on all the time. As they had to be very bright to be effective in the strong Malaysian sunshine, they had a higher wattage which meant they generated more heat. This created an unexpected problem – the plastic covers began to deform! It was not a known problem in Sweden since temperatures are very much lower but for Malaysia, some changes had to be made to the materials. Needless to say, owners got the covers replaced under warranty.
From being merely a safety feature, DRLs have also become styling features, providing a visual ‘signature’ that identifies the model. This has been evident on premium brands where there have been common themes for the DRL style and further downmarket, designers are also doing the same thing these days.
DRLs offer significant safety benefits and have no drawbacks; the issue of dazzle which can occur at night is addressed as the DRLs set to deactivate when the headlights are switched on. In the early days, DRLs used incandescent bulbs which could result in a tiny increase in fuel consumption but with low-energy LEDs now in use, this is no longer an issue.
Older vehicles don’t have DRLs so you should switch on the headlights if lighting conditions are poor.
If your vehicle does not have DRLs but you believe in the value of being more visible to other drivers, then be sure to switch on your headlights whenever lighting conditions are poor or low. This includes occasions when you may be driving along country roads where there are trees blocking the sky and the lighting is low. Having the headlights on could make a difference as drivers approaching from a distance can see the lights and not attempt to overtake other vehicles.
Aiming to reduce accidents, a new law was passed this year which will require all new cars sold across the European Union (EU) from 2022 to have systems that warn drivers of drowsiness and distraction. The law has been deemed necessary as data shows that, in the UK for example, , there have been 4,000 accidents and 150 fatalities caused by driver fatigue since 2015.
DS Automobiles, the premium brand in the PSA Group, is among the first to respond to this new law to fit cars with fatigue alert systems. Its DS Driver Attention Monitoring system helps keep drivers alert and prevents them from falling asleep at the wheel. The advanced technology tracks signs of tiredness and could save around 50 lives a year on UK roads.
Monitoring with infrared cameras
The system, already available on the DS 7 CROSSBACK, combines a pair of infrared cameras focused on the driver with continuous vehicle position monitoring. Futuristic driver-facing cameras, mounted above the steering wheel and at the top of the windscreen, monitor 3 key physical signs of distraction or drowsiness; movement of the eyes, eyelids or neck. If any of these are detected, an audible alert is set off and a warning notice appears on the digital instrumentation display.
At the same time, vehicle position monitoring constantly tracks the car in relation to road markings and warns the driver with an audible alert if there are any sudden or unexpected steering movements.
The combination of these technologies allows the system to comprehensively monitor drivers for the key warning signs of distraction and drowsiness and maximises the window in which a driver can be warned and encouraged to take steps to counter against it.
“Distracted and tired drivers are a serious safety threat on roads across the UK and it is the cause of thousands of accidents a year, with some ending in fatalities. This serious issue can benefit from the latest technologies available, which is why we have made our DS Driver Attention Monitoring technology available across the range on DS 7 CROSSBACK. Coupled with DS Night Vision and DS Active Led Vision, DS Automobiles is able to lead the way on improving the safety on the roads,” said the company’s Head of Product, Vince Clisham.
Most of us spend a lot of time driving, which means being inside the car for long periods almost every day. As we drive, we go through various conditions which can have an effect on our wellbeing and how we feel. The common conditions would be fatigue and drowsiness, which some cars now have systems to detect by the way the car is being driven. In fact, 10 years ago, Mercedes-Benz introduced the drowsiness warning system ATTENTION ASSIST as a world first. This assistance system can recognise typical signs of fatigue and prompt drowsy drivers to take a break.
10 years ago, Mercedes-Benz introduced ATTENTION ASSIST which detects driver drowsiness and prompts him or her to take a break. To date, some 14 million vehicles have the system and it is now standard in Mercedes-Benz vehicles.
Now, the carmaker is going further in helping drivers keep track of their condition while driving. With the vívoactive 3 wearable from Mercedes-Benz in collaboration with Garmin and the new ENERGIZING COACH, an integral health feature of the latest generations of CLA and GLE, intelligent comfort is now achievable.
Interior adapted to wearer’s condition
Via the Mercedes me app, the smartwatch app transmits significant vital data of the wearer to the vehicle. From this, an algorithm derives the wearer’s stress level and recommends the appropriate ENERGIZING (Comfort) program while also taking into account further parameters. When the driver accepts the recommendation, the atmosphere in the interior optimally adapts to his needs.
Behind the sporty, dynamic design is an intelligent everyday accessory that makes optimum use of all that the digital age has to offer. The 3-pointed star on the sophisticated touchscreen watch face was designed exclusively with Mercedes-Benz Designers together with Garmin. It serves as an elegant demonstration of the way in which two pioneers in their respective fields have combined their expertise, know-how and sense of stylish design.
Particularly challenging or long and monotonous routes can also strain even those who enjoy driving and are used to spending extended periods at the wheel. And this is where the Mercedes-Benz vívoactive 3 in conjunction with the new ENERGIZING Packages is able to reveal its full potential. The smartwatch links via the Mercedes me App and the iOS smartphone into the vehicle’s telematics system and transmits the pulse rate on the display.
Vital data such as stress level or sleep quality supplement the accuracy of the intelligent algorithm in the backend, which recommends a situational and individually adapted wellness or activation program depending on environmental, vehicle and vital data. Drivers will also have the option to select potentially less stressful routes directly from the navigation system. Some of the conceivable capabilities of the infotainment system can extend to provide stimulating or soothing music to suit the driver’s mood on the road, new-type seat massages, matching climate control, and the ability to manipulate fragrance and suitable ambience lighting within the vehicle.
The vívoactive 3 interfaces with the new ENERGIZING COACH, an integral health feature of the latest generation of the CLA.
Additional functionality
In some countries, the Mercedes-Benz vívoactive 3 also provides a range of features that prove useful also outside of the vehicle. Apart from monitoring personal fitness levels, the smartwatch is, for example, Garmin Pay-ready, thus able to allow contactless payments. Its compatibility with Android and Apple smartphones via the Garmin Connect Mobile app expands its potential uses to many other areas.
Visually speaking, the Mercedes-Benz vívoactive 3 offers a stylish, yet minimalistic and dynamic look. The 43.4 mm round casing in black or white plastic features a bezel and back in high-quality stainless steel. A silicon strap, colour-coordinated to the casing, ensures that the watch sits firmly and comfortably, whatever the activity. The colour display, featuring a touchscreen made out of tough Corning Gorilla glass, can be set to reflect the wearer’s personal style with one of a range of pre-installed watch faces in an exclusive Mercedes-Benz design. Battery life is up to 7 days but if GPS mode is activated, this will diminish to about 13 hours.
It’s a very serious offence to be driving while under the influence of alcohol (or ‘DUI’ as they refer to it in America). In some countries, it is not just alcohol but the offence includes drugs and even medicines that cause any effect which can make driving unsafe. Generally, motorists only give attention to alcohol and make it a point to consume amounts that do not exceed the limits, or are responsible enough to avoid driving home themselves if they have taken too much.
How medicines can affect driving
Many motorists give less thought to the times when they have taken medicines for an illness and while the effects vary from person to person, there is a risk that some may be affected seriously enough to make their driving dangerous for themselves and other road-users. It depends on how much medicine you are required to take. Factors such as gender, age, weight and dose all play a part in how the medicine affects you.
The effects can affect concentration and usually, the effect is strongest in the beginning of treatment and when the dose is increased. Therefore, it is the responsibility of the doctor to warn you or you should ask about the effects and declare that you will be driving or riding a motorcycle.
The effects of medicines
Some medicines can affect your driving for a short time after you take them. For others, the effects can last for several hours, and even till the next day. Sleepiness or drowsiness may be one of the effects but some people may also feel dizzy, weak, nauseous or even have their reaction time slowed down (which can be dangerous as they may not be able to avoid an accident in time).
For allergy sufferers, medications containing antihistamines can help relieve many different types of allergies. But these medicines may interfere with driving as antihistamines can slow your reaction time, make it hard to focus or think clearly, and may cause mild confusion even if you don’t feel drowsy.
While it is best to go home and rest (and remain on medical leave if allowed), you can also ask a doctor to help minimize the side effects by adjusting your dose, adjust the timing of when you take the medicine, or change the medicine to one that causes fewer side effects for you.
If you find that you can’t concentrate because you have just taken medicine, it imay be better to pull over rather than continue driving.
It should be noted that even if you have not taken medicines but are sick, your condition can also put your driving at risk. Depending on the illness, you may be more tired than usual, less able to concentrate or even experience pain in certain parts of your body that could cause you to drive dangerously. If you find that you are extremely affected, you should pull over to the side and park safely, and notify someone who can come and help you get home.
Even sneezing can be dangerous!
One of the most dangerous aspects of driving while sick is sneezing, believe it or not. In fact, there are studies that have shown that sneezes cause over 2,000 accidents in the UK per week! When you sneeze, your eyes usually close, usually for about 600 milliseconds. In that span of time, if you are travelling at about 100 km/h, the car would have moved 17 metres forward – while your eyes were closed! That could result in ramming a vehicle ahead or worse, knocking down a pedestrian.
A sneeze or a cough when you are ill could result in a collision.
The same risk could probably occur when you cough, especially if it is a cough that is ‘strong’ and causes you to momentarily stop having control of other actions. You may also cough a number of times at one go, again affecting your ability to control the car.
The Lane Keep Assist system, available in some of the new models, acts when the car moves out of its lane.
Some of the new car models today have driver assistance systems which can detect when the car weaves out of its lane. This can indicate that the driver may be losing concentration and not guiding the car properly, perhaps due to being ill or being on medication. Such systems will alert the driver of the situation and also exert forces to turn the vehicle back into its lane. However, these systems are still not standard features like seatbelts so the majority of motorists would not be able to enjoy their safety benefits.
NOTE: This article has been presented in good faith for general information of the public, especially motorists. PISTON.MY accepts no responsibility for any loss or effect arising from following the advice and information given.
