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Business
Nighttime Vacation Driving: ACV's Safety Tips for Preventing Driver Fatigue
Herz — Business Desk · · 30s summary · 2 min read
The essentials
The German automotive club ACV Automobil-Club Verkehr has published safety recommendations for drivers departing on vacation at night or in the early morning. According to research cited by the ACV, 17 hours without sleep can reduce driver performance to levels equivalent to 0.5 per mille blood alcohol content, while 22 hours without sleep can reduce performance to 1.0 per mille. In July 2026, summer vacation travel has been creating increasingly heavy traffic on German motorways for several weeks as peak departure season approaches. The ACV recommends getting rest before taking the wheel and, when possible, traveling with a second driver to take turns at the controls.
- 17 hours without sleep equals 0.5‰ blood alcohol driving impairment, per ACV studies
- 22 hours without sleep corresponds to 1.0‰ blood alcohol driving impairment
- The ACV recommends sleeping before any nighttime departure, even if just a few hours
- Two or more drivers allow you to alternate at the wheel and reduce fatigue risks
- Nighttime departures avoid peak traffic but expose drivers to specific fatigue dangers
What We Know
ACV Automobil-Club Verkehr, a German automobile club, has published safety advice for drivers planning to depart on vacation at night or very early in the morning.
In July 2026, weekend traffic on German motorways has been intensifying for several weeks as the peak of summer departures approaches.
Nighttime departures offer concrete advantages: fewer traffic jams, cooler temperatures, and children sleep better in the vehicle.
The Risks of Driver Fatigue
According to studies cited by the ACV, driving after approximately 17 hours without sleep can reduce driver performance to levels comparable to 0.5 per mille blood alcohol content. After approximately 22 hours without sleep, performance reaches levels equivalent to 1.0 per mille.
17 hours without sleep0.5
22 hours without sleep1
At night, obstacles—roadwork, traffic backups, wild animals, poorly lit vehicles—are detected later than in daylight. Moreover, the body is naturally programmed to rest during nighttime hours, which compromises sustained concentration at the wheel.
17 hours
without sleep for performance equivalent to 0.5‰ blood alcohol
22 hours
without sleep for performance equivalent to 1.0‰ blood alcohol
ACV's Recommendations
The ACV recommends getting sleep before any nighttime departure. Even a few hours of sleep in the evening or afternoon prove more beneficial than leaving without rest.
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