Sleep at the wheel: The second sleep is so dangerous for drivers!

Sleep at the wheel: The second sleep is so dangerous for drivers!

On March 4, 2025, an accident occurred at the B252 near Steinheim at around 2:45 p.m., which indicates the widespread problem of second sleep. A 31-year-old driver from Brakel, who drove his Opel Astra from Blomberg in the direction of Brakel, stated that he had fallen asleep at the wheel. As a result, his vehicle came off the road and crashed into the right guardrail. Fortunately, the driver was unharmed, but the consequences of the incident are serious.

Due to this dangerous situation, the police secured the driver's driver's license and initiated criminal proceedings for road hazards in accordance with Section 315c of the Criminal Code. The property damage to his vehicle and the guardrail is a four -digit amount. These types of incidents impressively make it clear how quickly seconds sleep can become a serious risk on our streets.

The dangers of second sleep

like ace.de is a lower number of threats that are promoted by lack of sleep and over-tired. This short phase, in which a person closes their eyes for a few seconds and no longer perceives external stimuli, can have catastrophic consequences. At a speed of 100 km/h, a second with closed eyes means that the driver pulls back about 28 meters in the "blind flight".

traffic safety experts warn especially of the endangerment from second sleep on winding roads or busy routes. A traffic accident statistics show alarming numbers. In 2023 there were 1,902 accidents with personal damage due to fatigue in Germany, which is an increase compared to the 1,872 accidents in 2022. Experts estimate that up to 25 % of all traffic accidents are due to fatigue.

causes and warning signals

The reasons for seconds are diverse. In addition to lack of sleep and an unusual sleep rhythm, long wax phases and health problems such as sleep disorders or sleep apnea are common causes. The risk increases for drivers who travel at unusual times, such as in the evening. Warning signals for seconds sleep are persistent yawn, burning eyes and the feeling that the eyes fall.

A survey by the German Road Safety Council (DVR) from 2022 reveals that 43 % of car travelers can believe in time if they start falling asleep. This misjudgment could be fatal for many.

measures to avoid

In order to minimize the risk of seconds sleep, drivers urgently should consider some precautionary measures. This includes regular breaks, inserting a short nap and sufficient fluid intake while driving. Traffic safety experts also recommend that you always get restored into the vehicle.

In modern vehicles, fatigue warning is mandatory to analyze the vehicle and eye movements in order to warn of fatigue at an early stage. The falling asleep at the wheel is not only dangerous, but can also result in legal consequences. According to Section 315c of the Criminal Code, fines of up to five years of imprisonment.