**Radio Host Sian Welby Uncovers Hidden Car Danger Behind Sudden Tiredness on the Road**
Radio and television presenter Sian Welby has issued a warning to fellow drivers after discovering the surprising reason behind her mysterious and overwhelming fatigue during long journeys. The revelation, stumbled upon through social media, highlights a potentially little-known feature of modern vehicles which could be inadvertently compromising road safety.
Speaking candidly to listeners of the Capital Breakfast radio show, which she co-hosts with Jordan North and Chris Stark, Welby described her unsettling experience with “uncontrollable tiredness” when driving for more than half an hour—most often on motorways. Despite being well-rested, she found herself struggling to stay awake, pinning open her eyes in hopes of fighting off drowsiness. The radio personality explained, “I kept thinking, what is wrong with me? Even after a proper night’s sleep, I just couldn’t keep my eyes open on these long trips.”
Welby admitted she was initially baffled, considering whether the monotonous scenery and the hum of the tyres on tarmac were to blame. However, she now believes the real culprit was lurking in her car’s climate control system—a surprising revelation she came across by chance while browsing TikTok.
The breakthrough moment arrived when Welby encountered a video on the popular social media platform, boldly claiming, “This could save your life”. Though sceptical, she watched it and soon learned about the potential risks associated with the air conditioning’s recirculation function, a common feature in modern vehicles depicted by an icon of arrows in a loop inside a car.
“I thought it was probably just a load of nonsense, but I checked my own car after hearing it,” she recounted to her audience. Lo and behold, the recirculation setting had been left on. Curious, she switched it off and was astonished to find her next three-hour motorway drive passed without the usual overpowering weariness.
To spread the word, Welby took to Instagram, sharing her discovery with her some 274,000 followers. She noted that her breakthrough resonated especially with lorry and taxi drivers who messaged her to say that they too had been driving with the recirculation mode on for extended periods—often without realising the possible consequences.
The science behind it, as experts have explained, is straightforward. Although using air recirculation can help a vehicle cool down more quickly and efficiently, leaving it on continuously prevents fresh air from entering the car. Over time, oxygen levels decrease while carbon dioxide increases, potentially leading to drowsiness and reduced concentration—serious risks for anyone behind the wheel.
While some vehicle models incorporate automatic timers to switch off recirculation after a set period, many do not, leaving it up to drivers to toggle the function manually. Road safety authorities recommend limiting use of recirculated air to brief periods, generally under twenty minutes, and regularly allowing fresh air into the cabin.
Welby’s warning serves as a timely reminder, particularly as summer approaches and drivers are more likely to rely on air conditioning to stave off the heat. Her experience underscores how easy it is for essential safety features to remain overlooked, even by professional drivers, and the importance of staying informed about our vehicles’ systems.
In a world where technology increasingly mediates our environments, the anecdote offers a valuable lesson on the nuances of modern transport and the sometimes unexpected pitfalls that can arise. With a simple press of a button, drivers can avoid unnecessary fatigue and keep themselves, and others, safe on the roads.
As motoring experts have stated, awareness is key; regularly switching off air recirculation and ensuring adequate ventilation are small steps that could make a significant difference on longer journeys. Welby’s message is clear: if unexplained tiredness strikes, it may be worth taking a second look at the controls on your dashboard.