At TWL, we aim to keep our customers moving. We also understand the dangers of the road. Supporting driver safety is a huge priority for our team, and that of our customers, particularly when it comes to driver fatigue - a serious problem that can lead to traffic accidents and fatalities.
Fatigued drivers are less attentive, have slower reaction times, and impaired decision-making and lane control. They also have a lower tolerance for other road users, increasing the risk of aggressive driving.
Falling asleep at the wheel, even for brief periods, is a serious concern. In 2020, there were 21 fatal crashes and 113 serious injury crashes in New Zealand caused by driver fatigue.
This interesting graph shows how the level of fatigue can directly impact crash risk, with risk increasing as fatigue levels increase.
At-Risk Groups
Certain groups of people are more likely to experience fatigue while driving, putting them at an increased risk of accidents. This includes:
-Young people with late-night lifestyles and lack of sleep
-Shift workers with disrupted sleep patterns
-Commercial drivers with long hours
-Individuals with sleep disorders (they are at a higher risk).
When Crashes are Most Likely to Occur
Fatigue often interacts with other factors like substance use and speed, which can further impair a driver's abilities and increase the severity of accidents. When it comes to the times of day when fatigue-related crashes are most likely to occur, there are specific peak periods:
-Between 3am and 5am, our bodies naturally program us to feel sleepy, which is why there is often an increase in fatigue-related accidents during this time.
-There is also a secondary peak in sleepiness between 3pm and 5pm, when physical and mental performance tend to be at their worst.
-The graph that depicts fatigue-related crashes during a 24-hour period shows that the highest number of accidents occur at 6am and 4pm, aligning with these peak periods of sleepiness.
Signs of Fatigue
There are several signs that indicate a driver is at risk of fatigue or already in a fatigued state. These signs include:
-Excessive blinking
-Uncontrollable yawning
-Difficulty keeping the head up
-Eyes closing or going out of focus
-Having wandering or disconnected thoughts
-Not remembering driving the last few kilometers
-Missing gears, missing road signs or exits
-Unintentionally slowing down
-Braking too late
-Drifting over the center line or onto the other side of the road
Any of these signs should be taken as a warning that it is time to stop driving and rest.
How to Reduce the Risks
To reduce the risk of fatigue-related accidents, drivers should plan their journeys and find safe places to take breaks. If they start to feel tired, they should stop in a safe location and take a short nap of 15 to 30 minutes. Longer naps can make them groggy.
It's important to prioritise getting enough sleep each night instead of relying on emergency measures like napping. Even if they're close to their destination, drivers should never continue driving when they're tired.
Trying temporary solutions like drinking caffeine or opening the window won't help. When fatigue sets in, the only answer is sleep.
It's crucial for all drivers to recognise the signs of fatigue and take steps to prevent accidents. Planning ahead, taking breaks, and having a good sleep schedule are key in reducing the risk of fatigue-related crashes.
Take care on the roads this season!
For more information refer to: https://www.nzta.govt.nz/safety/what-waka-kotahi-is-doing/education-initiatives/fatigue/driver-fatigue/