The Neuroscience of Driving
Driving is a complex task that requires multiple parts of your brain to work together. This includes regions responsible for planning, staying alert, and perceiving the world around you. When you’re tired, these brain functions may not operate as effectively, which can make driving dangerous.
Recent research shows that drowsy driving contributes to between 20% and 30% of all crashes on Australian roads. This issue affects drivers of all ages and experience levels. So, how does driving impact your brain, and what can you do to stay alert while on the road?
Brain Regions Involved in Driving
Driving relies on several brain regions that control attention, vigilance, perception, motor control, and high-level cognition. A meta-analysis examined existing research on how driving affects brain activity and found that it involves a surprisingly large number of specific brain areas.
For example, the cerebellum and premotor cortex help coordinate movement, while the extrastriate cortex processes visual information. The thalamus, another key region, helps you stay alert and turn sensory information into physical movement.
The Dangers of Driver Fatigue
Research suggests that driving while tired can be just as dangerous as driving under the influence of alcohol. About 20% of all deaths on Australian roads are related to fatigue. Fatigue is a state of impairment that affects how well your mind and body function. It can negatively impact your ability to pay attention, make decisions, and respond to your surroundings—critical skills for safe driving.
One of the most dangerous consequences of fatigue is microsleeps. These are brief, involuntary periods of sleep that can last up to 15 seconds. Even a three-second microsleep at 100 km/h can cause your car to travel over 80 metres without your control, leading to potentially catastrophic outcomes.
Time Matters
Driving may feel like an automatic task, but it requires a high level of sustained attention. Compared to other activities like responding to emails or operating machinery, driving demands more mental effort. If you drive for a long time, you might notice that your attention decreases over time.
Some evidence suggests that fatigue can set in after just 60 minutes of driving. The longer you drive continuously, the more likely you are to make poor decisions or fall into a microsleep. This risk is especially high if you’re driving at night or on monotonous roads. Even if you don’t feel tired, your brain may not be fully alert, increasing the chance of errors.
To reduce the risk of fatigue, it’s a good idea to break long drives into two-hour blocks. This limits the time spent driving without a break and helps maintain alertness.
Other Factors That Contribute to Fatigue
Several factors can increase your likelihood of becoming tired while driving. One is sleep. Research shows that having less than five hours of sleep can double your chances of being in a crash. Being awake for more than 17 hours is also associated with higher fatigue risk.
Driving at times when you’d normally be sleeping can disrupt your circadian rhythm, making you more likely to fall asleep at the wheel. Stress, parenting a newborn, and not consuming enough water or healthy food can also contribute to driver fatigue.
It’s important to note that even experienced drivers are not immune to fatigue. Research shows that experienced drivers are still at risk of fatigue-related crashes. They may also become overconfident and take more risks on the road.
How to Stay Alert While Driving
Getting enough sleep before driving is crucial. Adults generally need seven to nine hours of sleep each night, but for safe driving, at least five hours of sleep the night before is essential. There isn’t much evidence to suggest that strategies like opening a window or listening to music effectively combat fatigue.
Instead, when driving long distances, stay hydrated and take regular breaks. If you’re too tired to drive, take a nap first. You can also share the driving or postpone your trip.
