Microsleep Causes 20 Percent of Road Crashes Annually, MIROS Urges Drivers to Rest
KUALA LUMPUR — Microsleep, a condition where drivers briefly fall asleep without realising it, has been identified as a major cause of road accidents in Malaysia, contributing to about 20 percent of crashes each year, including fatal incidents.
According to the deputy director-general of the Malaysian Institute of Road Safety Research (MIROS), Prof Dr Siti Zaharah Ishak, microsleep occurs when drivers experience extreme fatigue, causing the brain to momentarily shut down even while the eyes may remain open.
She explained that these episodes can last between two and 10 seconds, a critical period that can result in loss of vehicle control and serious accidents.
Microsleep is commonly linked to physical exhaustion, prolonged driving hours and disruptions to the body’s natural sleep cycle.
The risk becomes significantly higher during festive seasons and school holidays, when millions of Malaysians travel long distances.
Traffic volume on highways increases substantially during these periods, raising the likelihood of fatigue-related accidents.
Highway authorities estimate that more than two million vehicles use major highways during peak festive travel periods.
Prof Dr Siti Zaharah said early warning signs of microsleep include restlessness, difficulty maintaining consistent speed and reduced focus.
She stressed the importance of adequate rest, noting that most people require at least seven hours of quality sleep to remain fully alert while driving.
Drivers are advised to plan their journeys carefully and take breaks at rest areas if they feel drowsy.
“Drivers should never force themselves to continue driving when tired. Taking a break can save lives,” she said.
Opening windows for fresh air and moving the body can also help maintain alertness.
MIROS also highlighted the role of modern vehicle safety technologies, including lane departure warnings and automatic emergency braking systems.
These technologies can help prevent accidents and improve overall road safety.
Drivers are urged to prioritise rest and remain alert, especially during long-distance travel, to reduce the risk of fatigue-related crashes.
-wilayah.com.my
