Alcohol, Drugs, Fatigue and Driver Fitness
Oman has zero tolerance for alcohol while driving, and drugs-including some prescription medicines-can make you unfit. Read medicine labels and ask a pharmacist if the drug causes drowsiness, dizziness or slow reactions. Fatigue is a major hidden hazard: it slows reaction, worsens judgement and can cause micro-sleeps. Signs include yawning, heavy eyes, drifting, missed signs and difficulty keeping a steady speed.
Fitness to drive
Do not drive when ill, severely sleep-deprived, emotionally distressed, or with uncorrected vision problems. On long trips, plan rest stops at least every two hours, share driving, and avoid starting a long drive after a poor night’s sleep. Coffee, fresh air and loud music do not cure fatigue; only rest does.
Worked example
You finish a night shift and feel awake enough for a 90-minute drive. You notice yourself yawning and drifting toward the edge line. The correct action is to stop at a safe place and sleep or rest, not to open the window. A micro-sleep at 90 km/h can cover more than a football pitch in a few seconds.
Traps
Believing coffee sobers you up; taking a short trip while exhausted; mixing alcohol with medicine; and ignoring a passenger who says you look tired. If you feel impaired, hand over the keys or use other transport.