Microsleep at the wheel: risk of accidents growing on the A6 near Kirchardt!

Microsleep at the wheel: risk of accidents growing on the A6 near Kirchardt!

A serious accident on the A6 near Kirchardt has drawn attention to the often underestimated risk of microsleep. On Sunday this week, a 22-year-old driver swerved off the road, presumably due to fatigue. As the daily news Reportedly, there was a similar incident just a week ago in which four people were injured. These developments highlight the alarming numbers of accidents caused by fatigue in Germany: In 2023, over 1,900 such incidents were recorded, with 42 people losing their lives.

The number of unreported accidents caused by fatigue may be much higher, as it is difficult to prove fatigue. Accident researcher Markus Egelhaaf gives valuable tips: “Don’t ignore signs of tiredness at the wheel!” A brief microsleep of just one second at 100 km/h results in you traveling more than 36 meters without control of the vehicle. Instead of relying on caffeine, we recommend taking a break or a short power nap.

Signs and causes of microsleep

Fatigue and microsleep while driving are serious dangers that can have potentially fatal consequences, particularly during monotonous journeys or adverse weather conditions. The ADAC highlights that tired drivers often do not realize when they are falling into a microsleep. The most common signs are burning eyes, difficulty concentrating and unexpected changes in speed. A cross-section of the causes shows that long periods of wakefulness, sleep disorders and personal biorhythms can contribute to reducing the ability to pay attention.

The last kilometers before the destination represent a further risk. Here, drivers are often particularly careless and consider the risk of fatigue to be lower. If you experience memory gaps or sudden flinches while driving, these are clear warning signs that should be taken seriously. The statistics show that around 25% of all accidents on German roads can be attributed to sudden sleep!

Prevention and legal consequences

Preventive measures include taking regular breaks and turning off the vehicle immediately if you feel tired. Even if modern driving assistance systems give warning signals, they cannot replace the necessary vigilance. Future EU requirements from 2024 stipulate that all new cars, trucks and buses must be equipped with attention and drowsiness warning systems - a step in the right direction!

But what are the legal consequences if fatigue is proven? Section 315c of the Criminal Code provides for severe fines and prison sentences as well as driving bans. In a real-world example, a 19-year-old lost control of his vehicle due to ignoring fatigue signs, which earned him a fine of 1,750 euros and a driving license suspension of seven months. In the event of an accident caused by microsleep, comprehensive insurance usually pays, although the insurance company can make recourse claims if gross negligence is proven.

Conclusion: Always pay attention to your body’s signals! Fatigue behind the wheel is a serious risk, and the next few miles are often the most dangerous when alertness wanes.