Fatigue

Fatigue photo

Factors that can increase the risk of a driver being involved in a tiredness-related crash should be taken into account when developing policies to prevent driver tiredness. These factors include:
Time of day: the most likely times to fall asleep are midnight to 6am and 2pm to 4pm.
Shifts: drivers who work long shifts are more likely to suffer fatigue.
Rest breaks: drivers should take a break of 15 minutes every 2 hours or sooner if feeling tired.
Stress: tiredness is a typical symptom of stress resulting from work or home life pressures.
Lack of sleep – drivers may suffer lack of sleep due to:
Disturbed sleep: new baby, stress, domestic problems, sleep disorders.
Irregular sleep patterns: this is a particular problem for drivers who switch regularly from day to night shifts without sufficient time for their body clock to adjust.
Insufficient rest periods: long jobs, long commutes or drivers moonlighting in another job or hobby.
Sleep disorders such as Sleep Apnoea.
Medication: Some prescription drugs and over-the-counter drugs can cause drowsiness and impaired alertness. Check for side-effects on the package.
Vehicle engineering: modern vehicles are quiet and comfortable, inviting drivers to relax when driving. Driving can have a lulling effect particularly in vehicles fitted with comfort enhancing features such as cruise control.
To tackle driver fatigue:
Ensure drivers do not work shifts that are too long.
Set in-house limits on maximum driving distances per day, per week, per month, per year.
Plan realistic schedules with suitable routes and allowing sufficient time between drop offs/ meetings or appointments.
Consider fitting warning systems in vehicles to remind drivers to take a break after a fixed time.
Do not put pressure on a driver to continue driving when they have notified employers they are too tired.
Arrange overnight stays or encourage use of alternative modes of transport if an employee has to drive two hours or more each way on top of a four hour or more work period.
Check that drivers are not affected by any circumstances or conditions which increase the risk of falling asleep at the wheel.
Educate your employees who drive for work about the dangers of fatigue and advise them to:
Consider the possibility of fatigue when selecting a mode of transport.
Consider overnight stays.
Get enough sleep before a long drive.
Include plenty of time for sufficient rest breaks in their schedules.
Stop driving if they feel sleepy during a journey.
Drink a caffeine drink and take a 15 minute nap in their vehicle as this can help to reduce fatigue. Advise them to only drive on when feeling alert and explain that music or fresh air will only reduce fatigue for a short time.
That complying with Regulations on daily and weekly driving is a legal requirement.