For commercial drivers, fatigue is an inherent hazard of the job, posing serious risks to their safety and the safety of others on the road.
According to the U.S. National Safety Council, fatigued drivers are more than three times more likely to be involved in a crash, often leading to serious injuries. What’s also concerning is that 1 in 25 adults have reported having fallen asleep while driving, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Besides the potential dangers on the road, fatigue can also contribute to chronic health issues such as cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, and mental health disorders. All of these reasons are why drivers need to be aware of the various ways fatigue can affect their body and mind and why training in fatigue awareness is more important than ever.
Types of fatigue
Different types of fatigue can slow down drivers’ reactions and increase the chance of accidents—get to know what they are.
- Physical Fatigue: A common effect of prolonged physical activity, such as extended driving without breaks. It often leads to muscle weakness, decreased endurance, and overall tiredness.
- Mental Fatigue: A result of prolonged cognitive activity, such as exerting focused attention on driving. This can diminish concentration, slow reaction times, and impair decision-making.
- Acute Fatigue: A temporary state of tiredness usually caused by intense activity or lack of sleep. Fortunately, this can be resolved with sufficient rest.
- Chronic Fatigue: Developing over time from continuous lack of rest, chronic fatigue is more difficult to overcome and can lead to serious long-term health issues.
- Circadian Rhythm Fatigue: Relates to disruptions in the body’s internal clock that regulates sleep-wake cycles. For example, driving during night shifts can lead to increased drowsiness and reduced alertness.
- Sleep Apnea-Related Fatigue: A prevalent issue among truck drivers, this sleep disorder causes frequent breathing interruptions during sleep and can result in excessive daytime sleepiness, impaired cognitive function, and a higher risk of accidents due to fatigue.
Adhering to Hours of Service regulations
In Canada and the United States, Hours of Service (HOS) regulations are established to manage driver fatigue and enhance road safety. These regulations are overseen by the Canadian National Safety Code (NSC) and the Federal Motor Carrier Administration (FMCSA).
In Canada, it is crucial for companies and operators operating within provincial jurisdictions to be familiar with the hours-of-service regulations that apply in their respective provinces. These regulations are enforced to ensure that drivers have adequate rest and to reduce the risk of fatigue-related accidents.
Don’t sleep on these strategies for your company
To effectively combat the hazard of driver fatigue, companies can implement several proactive strategies:
- Safe Scheduling Practices: Develop driving schedules that ensure adequate rest periods and reduce the likelihood of extended driving hours. Whenever possible, avoid night shifts to better align with drivers' natural circadian rhythms.
- Sleep Hygiene: Advocate for healthy sleep habits among drivers. Educate them on the importance of quality sleep and provide resources to assist them in achieving it, such as comfortable sleeping accommodations in trucks.
- Fatigue Monitoring: Use technology to detect signs of fatigue. In-vehicle monitoring systems, such as A.I. driver-facing cameras when the driver is operating the vehicle, can be helpful.
- Training and Education: Offer regular training sessions focused on fatigue management techniques and recognizing the signs. It is essential for drivers to understand the risks associated with fatigue and the importance of taking breaks.
- Workplace Culture: Cultivate a workplace culture that encourages open dialogue about fatigue. Prioritize driver well-being and emphasize that safety takes precedence over meeting tight deadlines.
- Compliance with Regulations: Ensure strict compliance with Hours of Service (HOS) regulations. Conduct regular audits of driver logs and use electronic logging devices (ELDs) to effectively monitor compliance.
- Health and Wellness Programs: Implement initiatives that support overall health and wellness. Encourage drivers to maintain a balanced diet, exercise regularly, and develop effective stress management strategies.
By adopting these strategies, companies can continue to keep roads safe from the risks associated with driver fatigue.
Protecting your drivers and the roads
Fatigue is a critical issue in the commercial transportation industry, with significant implications for drivers and public safety. Understanding the types of fatigue and their effects, adhering to regulated hours of service legislation, and implementing effective mitigation strategies are essential steps for companies to ensure the well-being of their drivers and the safety of the roads.
References:
FMCSA : https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/safety/driver-safety/cmv-driving-tips-driver-fatigue
FMCSA/HOS: https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/regulations/hours-of-service
NCS Standard 9 : https://www.ccmta.ca/en/national-safety-code#nsc-standards
National Safety Council: https://www.nsc.org/road/safety-topics/fatigued-driver?
National Center for biotechnology information: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10636256/#:~:text=Despite%20these%20risks%20however%2C%20driving,wheel%20each%20month%20%5B5%5D.
Pre Pass Safety Alliance: https://www.prepassalliance.org/recognizing-and-preventing-driver-fatigue-in-commercial-truck-drivers/
Fatigue Science: https://fatiguescience.com/blog/commercial-drivers-fatigue-management
