Ever Nodded Off Driving l’Autoroute?

Seven in ten drivers confess to nodding off at the wheel as they purr along wide, straight and generally uncongested French motorways.

Shock headline in Figaro

According to a  Le Figaro report on drowsiness and French drivers a new study released by ASFA, the Association of French Motorway Operators, which published its findings at a recent symposium, performed some novel research. Forty participants chosen from Paris and Toulouse were asked to monitor their own state of fatigue at the wheel and record the number of times they started to drift off at the wheel during the day. The results were designed to make it easier for the participants to understand a phenomenon that, according to a survey by the polling company Sofres “affects seven out of ten drivers on French roads”. The ASFA research, says Thierry Tricard, of the Gatard institute which carried out the study suggests the extent to which drowsiness is an issue recognized by motorists remains unknown, “because it is a taboo, drowsiness (at the wheel) leaves a company driver with an incredible source of guilt,” he added, warning that skilled driving required motorists to be aware of all the risks.

However many drivers still believe that a state of drowsiness can be dispelled by turning up the sound on the radio. “I open the window, especially in winter, that always wakes me up,” said one participant in the Gatard research.

Worse, an online poll for Le Post newspaper asked readers if they had ever fallen asleep while driving on motorways. Here are the responses: Yes and now I’m very careful is the answer of nearly 32% if drivers responding. (Admittedly online polls are not scientifically conducted).

Online poll shows the problem is worryingly widespread.

In reality, there is only one solution, says Professor Joel Paquereau of the National Institute of Sleep and Alertness. “Stop and rest for ten minutes,” he said, indicating that the problem of drowsiness in the workplace is worsening due to sleep deprivation. In recent years the average person’s period of sleep has been reduced by one hour because of late night working on or consulting computers.
When driving, this fatigue becomes dramatic. Drowsiness is the leading cause of fatal accidents on motorways, where 153 people died in 2010, 151 in 2009 and 176 in 2008. One in three deaths on motorways is linked to falling asleep. In 2008 a study revealed that of the country’s the 35 million drivers; 1.5 million had had a brush with an accident. For a number of years, ASFA has urged governments to control the problem.

One suggestion is that drowsiness be recorded as a factor in compiling accident rates in national statistics so as better to measure the extent of the phenomenon. Government has also decided to stiffen penalties for drives that cross into an emergency lane an action often associated with sleep. The fine for this offence will be increased to 135 euros and 3 points on the license. Additionally all highways are to be equipped with rumble bands to help motorists fight drowsiness.