Can you just avoid falling asleep at the wheel if you try hard enough?

When a driver is experiencing significant fatigue, the body's natural response is to seek rest, making it increasingly difficult to stay awake and alert. No amount of determination can override an extreme level of tiredness; it greatly impairs cognitive function and physical response times, leading to a higher risk of nodding off or losing focus on the road.

Fatigue can impact anyone, regardless of their intentions or willpower. The effects can be as severe as those experienced under the influence of alcohol in terms of impaired judgment, reaction times, and situational awareness. This is why it’s crucial for drivers to recognize their own limits and prioritize rest rather than rely on sheer determination to combat drowsiness. In summary, there comes a point where fatigue can compromise safety to the extent that simply trying hard to stay awake is inadequate, making it essential for drivers to acknowledge when they are too tired to be behind the wheel.