Get Tyres But Don’t Get Tired

As one of the leading suppliers and fitters of car tyres in Auckland, we can help you get on the road with high-quality and safe tyres. But you can also contribute to your own safety when you’re travelling by not driving while you’re tired. You really need to be wide awake to the dangers of driving while you’re fatigued, and here’s why.

Recent studies by some of the world’s leading road safety researchers came to a very disturbing conclusion: a tired driver and a drunk driver have close to the same risks of crashing. Now you would never jump behind the wheel after a few drinks. But too many Kiwi motorists are prepared to drive when they’re tried, and that’s a recipe for disaster.

If you’re driving and start feeling drowsy or begin blinking more than you usually do or yawning, daydreaming, or even drifting in your lane, then you really need to pull over as soon as you can and take a break. Of course, this isn’t immediately possible if you’re on the motorway so make sure you stop as soon as it is practical and safe to do so. Set the alarm on your phone and take a power nap for 15 to 20 minutes; any longer and your body might drift into a deep sleep phase which can leave you feeling even more tired.

You can prepare yourself before your trip and take some things with you to give yourself an energy boost. For example, bananas are good at perking you up as is good old water – so make sure you have plenty of both onboard. Coffee and other caffeinated drinks might give you a lift in energy but caffeine can take some time to be absorbed into your system and if you regularly consume these types of drinks, your body might be immune to the stimulating effect anyway.

There are other things you can do. Leave well in advance and take your time so you can fit regular rest breaks into your travel schedule. Try not to drive too far in one go – break up the journey as much as you can. Avoid driving at times when you would normally be sleeping, as your body clock might not adjust to this change of routine. Never drive when you are likely to be drowsy, such as after a big meal or if you are taking medication. And if you have other people in the car, share the driving – as long as they’re fully licenced and wide awake, of course.

Come and see us to get tyres – but don’t get tired! Everyone travelling with you will thank you for staying wide awake and keeping them safe.