I can understand that you dont have to make physical effort to feel tired, because I work as a computer programmer and I feel tired after making mental effort, but this effort seems way bigger than the one required to drive, yet, after 4,5 hours of driving I feel way more exhausted than after 8,10 hours of coding.
In: Biology
If you are not a bit worn out after a two hour drive, you missed seeing 100 or more possible threats to your existence. This is an indication your alertness level has been too low for a very long time.
I worked with insurance adjusters for three years. All of the reports had the words “all of a sudden” or “out of nowhere” as part of the report. Insurance adjusters look at these statements as the definition of inattentive driving and very likely point the finger at the person making the statement.
I push 11 hours most days. R/trucking.
When not in the 18wheeler and in the grocery getter I think I could drive 3 days straight…
I think people’s tolerance is relative.
I always theorized that the slight vibrations from the motor, which we may not consciously notice, relax our bodies after a while.
For me personally, it’s the PTSD. I was in two severe accidents within six months of each other. One, we were t-boned, one I was hit from behind by an eighteen wheeler. Neither where my fault, in fact I was the passenger in the first.
But it’s made me even more hyper vigilant than I was before. So the six hour trip to my parents house takes me at least eight. Because it tires me out so much that I can’t go without stopping.
Im sorry but this is a very bad question. Using cognitive function is tiring. Obviously you uave to use a decent amount whike driving
I personally think the constant list of things to do is exhausting. Scan the road for brake lights good indicator of a speed trap. Constantly listening for the beeping of a radar detector. Visually scanning the side of the road for anything fitting the profile of a unmarked car. Looking at Waze to tell if others saw anything and also what maze of side roads can be used to bail on if observed speeding. The emergency radio to make sure no one observed with out being noticed. And then there is interstate telimitry if your speed is observed it has to be at a certain angle hiding in another vehicles radar profile is a lot of math.
You would be surprised how many muscles you use/exercise while driving. I stopped driving for a year, then when I started again the back of my feet (Above the heel pad) and back started hurting for some time, even though I had a correct posture. That in addition to the what others mentioned like paying attenton, making decisions, etc…
Lay person here, but I call it decision fatigue. You have to be at this constant state of alertness assuming you’re a good driver. I work in corrections (think jail guard) and I believe it is a definite syndrome that affects me and my coworkers. You get worn out from the constant vigilance and anticipation, trying to predict what will come next.
When you loose focus while coding you may have to start over and make corrections. Plus, you’re earning money.
When you loose focus while driving, lives are at stake- yours; other drivers and auto occupants; animals. It’s time spent between things we have to or want to be doing.
So, though coding is a valuable skill, driving is a greater responsibility, which oddly, ANYONE with a valid drivers license can do; no matter how young or how old.
But, most likely, we’re more tired because of boredom and our lack of control (frustration) in the driving environment. We’d rather be somewhere else.
By listening to an audio book, or podcasts of informative teaching and news; or music that inspires a different mindset we can appreciate the journey while on the way to our destination.
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