Driver fatigue remains a significant concern in the trucking industry, posing risks to road safety and the health of drivers. Implementing effective strategies to manage and mitigate driver fatigue is crucial for ensuring safer roads and promoting the well-being of those behind the wheel. The demanding nature of trucking schedules often leads to fatigue among drivers, affecting their alertness, reaction times, and overall performance. Recognizing the signs of fatigue is vital, and acknowledging the importance of adequate rest and breaks is the cornerstone of fatigue management. Below are several tips to help educate your drivers on managing fatigue.
PROMOTE NAPS DURING BREAKS
A motor carrier can help drivers manage fatigue by promoting naps during the driver’s mandated 30-minute break following eight hours of cumulative driving. It is not enough for drivers to simply pull over and get out from behind the wheel. According to Hawai’i Pacific Health, “Researchers found that those who napped regularly reaped greater restorative effects than those who failed to nap.”1
¹Source: https://www.hawaiipacifichealth.org/healthier-hawaii/live-healthy/why-napping-is-better-than-coffee-when-you-need-a-midday-boost/.
CREATE REALISTIC SCHEDULES
Create realistic schedules that prioritize drivers’ rest periods, ensuring compliance with hours-of-service regulations. Avoid prolonged shifts and encourage regular breaks to prevent cumulative fatigue. Be flexible with scheduling. Even if drivers have not been driving all day, encourage them to listen to their bodies. If the driver is tired and time permits, encourage them to pull over to a safe area to nap.
PROMOTE HEALTH AND WELLNESS
Educate drivers on healthy eating habits, the importance of daily activity, and prioritizing mental health. This can also include recognizing the signals of drowsiness and, if planning to get behind the wheel, avoiding medications that can induce drowsiness.
EDUCATE DRIVERS ON QUALITY REST AND SLEEP DISORDERS
Provide comprehensive training to drivers about recognizing and managing fatigue. Promote open communication about sleep quality, stress, and workload issues to address concerns effectively. Note: If a driver expresses trouble sleeping, encourage them to talk to their doctor about a possible sleep disorder.
Note: These lists are not intended to be all-inclusive.
CALL TO ACTION
- Identify and implement onboard technologies to help reduce the risk of vehicle accidents.
Note: These lists are not intended to be all-inclusive.
This material is intended to be a broad overview of the subject matter and is provided for informational purposes only. Joe Morten & Son, Inc. does not provide legal advice to its insureds or other parties, nor does it advise insureds or other parties on employment-related issues, therefore the subject matter is not intended to serve as legal or employment advice for any issue(s) that may arise in the operations of its insureds or other parties. Legal advice should always be sought from legal counsel. Joe Morten & Son, Inc. shall have neither liability nor responsibility to any person or entity with respect to any loss, action, or inaction alleged to be caused directly or indirectly as a result of the information contained herein. Reprinted with permission from Great West Casualty Company.