- Thunderstorm warning issued for UK motorists
- Change in barometric pressure causes oxygen levels to drop
- Phenomena can make you feel lethargic and drowsy
- Crucial drivers are aware of the dangers
UK motorists are being warned of a little-known thunderstorms side-effect that can cause you to feel drowsy and lethargic - with obvious risks for road users.
Britain is braced for widespread thunderstorms in the coming days as unsettled conditions dominate.
And it’s not just wet roads that drivers need to be cautious of - because thunderstorms can also bring about sudden bouts of sleepiness.
Scientists say the phenomenon is caused by a dramatic drop in barometric pressure - ie, the air pressure in the atmosphere - just before a thunderstorm hits.
Air is lifted up away from the ground while the atmosphere is also thick with water vapour instead of oxygen. That drop in oxygen levels can leave you feeling sleepy, sluggish and wanting to take a nap.
Meanwhile thunderstorms can also prompt your body to produce more of the hormone melatonin, which can also leave you feeling drowsy.
Graham Conway, Managing Director at Select Car Leasing, has urged road users to be mindful of the risks.
He explains: “Thunderstorms pose challenges when it comes to road conditions, with the likelihood of rain and wind impacting our journeys. But besides the meteorological changes, motorists also need to be aware of the physical effects that storms can bring.
“The dangers of driving while drowsy are all too obvious, with reaction times slowed and mistakes likely to creep into our decision-making process.
“If your mind wanders due to storm-induced lethargy, you run the risk of being hit with a charge of ‘careless driving’ - ie, ‘driving without due care and attention’ - which attracts an on-the-spot fine of £100 and three points on a licence. More serious cases of careless driving can result in unlimited fines and driving disqualification.”
Select Car Leasing also warns about the perils of choosing to take a nap in your car.
Mr Conway adds: “If you’re hit with a sudden bout of sleepiness on the road, you might be tempted to pull over and take a nap. But you need to be very careful about where you choose to doze.
“Make sure you’re well off the road and that you’re not putting either yourself or other road users in danger.
“And never, ever use a motorway hard shoulder as a resting place. The hard shoulder is there for emergency situations only and misuse of it can result in an immediate £100 fine and three penalty points. If you cause an accident, that fine can increase to £5,000.”
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